History of TADWA

This organisation has come a long way since the early days in 1984 when a small group of mostly Telecom/Telstra technical employees came together under the banner of TASN (Technical Aid for Special Needs) to undertake technically orientated projects to assist those people with hearing/mobility or vision impairment to better utilize the telephone.

 

As time progressed the demand for other types of services increased. To cope with this increased demand more technical volunteers were recruited enabling TASN to broaden its work in the community. This growth also forced TASN to become somewhat “structured” as a semi-professional organisation.

 

In 1986 we became aware of the existence within the other states of Australia an organisation called Technical Aid to The Disabled (TAD). TAD was doing similar work to that being done by TASN and it became evident that TASN should align themselves with TAD using the title of TADWA (Technical Aid to the Disabled WA Inc.).

 

We have occupied various premises along the way. These premises include Newcastle St in the Perth CBD, the old primary school at Nollamara, and 60 Lord St Eden Hill. The Lord Street premises offered the room necessary to expand our services further. One of the major areas of expansion was the Computer Service. This happened around 2002. We were also able to set up a fully equipped workshop to undertake some major home modification projects.

 

The move to join TAD provided exposure and support from the other states. This support assisted this newly named organisation to adopt the constitutional guidelines following the Incorporations Act and also gain recognition of being a recognised charity etc. Even today, whilst operating autonomously, we retain close links with other TAD centres throughout Australia.

 

The continuing increased demand for our services has presented many challenges and provided opportunities to widen our service coverage to clients in most areas of the state. TADWA has now relocated to its own purpose built premises in Bassendean. We have a board committed to meeting these challenges and a strategic 5 year plan designed to focus our attention and resources toward meeting these challenges.