Great Scope for new life skills

YOUNG adults living with a disability now have access to a new centre in Belmont as they look to learn independence.

Scope has opened its second centre in Geelong with a focus on adolescents and young people.

As one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service providers, Scope supports thousands of people with intellectual and physical disabilities to achieve their goals.

At the Belmont centre young people will have access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, with an additional focus on developing social skills and independent living.

Marie Byrne, a Scope team leader and employee for 21 years, said the new centre was set up like a house to assist with developing life skills.

“It is a good venue for teenagers who are looking to learn independence because the skills learnt will be transferable to any home environment,” she said.

Heather and Roger Felstead, whose two daughters receive support from Scope, are excited about the new centre.

Erin, 9, has Rett syndrome but through working with Ms Byrne has achieved so much.

“From a little girl who could not put her feet on the ground, she has walked a fair distance since being at Scope,” Mr Felstead said.

Eldest daughter Sally, 20, will use the Belmont centre to assist with her learning disability and social and generalised anxiety. She hopes to learn social skills and independence through Scope and seek fulltime employment.

“Marie has helped in more ways than I can say, she is part of my family,” Sally said.