It has been 40 years since a group of Telecom workers got together and decided they wanted to do something to improve their community.
In 1984 they saw a need for telephones to be modified to better suit people with a vision or hearing impairment and they used their technical knowledge as volunteers to make using phones easier for people with disabilities.
On September 17, 1985, the organisation was officially incorporated. In 1993 Liberal MP, government minister and later opposition leader Barry McKinnon became TADWA’s patron with a celebration held at the fire station in Perth.
And from those beginnings, the Technology for Ageing and Disability WA (TADWA), was born and as demand grew the not-for-profit moved into helping people with a wide range of disabilities.
Now based in Bassendean, TADWA has become a pioneer of life-enhancing services using innovative technology solutions for older West Australians and people living with disabilities.
TADWA’s services include home modifications, assistive technology, and recreational aids like customised bikes and trikes.
A spokesperson for TADWA says the team is committed to fostering independence, safety, and social inclusion.
“TADWA provides a wide range of innovative, person-centred services that include:
“Therapy and consultancy services: TADWA’s AHPRA-registered occupational therapists offer tailored assessments, mobility solutions and home modification consulting, collaborating closely with clients, caregivers, and families.
“Technology and computer services: TADWA refurbishes and distributes affordable technology, including laptops and peripherals, to students, pensioners, and low-income earners, and donates computers to community organisations. It also promotes sustainable practices by recycling old equipment and keeping components out of landfill.
“Home modifications: TADWA designs and implements custom solutions to improve home safety and accessibility for seniors and people living with disabilities, including ramps, bathroom adjustments, and more.
“Recreational and mobility services: By providing customised bikes, trikes, and vehicle modifications, TADWA enables clients to stay active, maintain connections, and enjoy their communities.”
TADWA operated out of various locations until 1999, when it moved to Lord Street in Eden Hill which became the main premises.
In the early 2000s, TADWA faced significant challenges because of inadequate facilities and ageing infrastructure but with its move in 2008 to a purpose-built building and workshops in Bassendean the multi-million-dollar operation continues to expand its services to the community.
This meant the organisation could now deliver services on a larger scale to people in the Perth metropolitan area.
TADWA now has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers across Western Australia.
In 2009 an office was set up in Bunbury and growing demand in the South West saw TADWA move twice and in 2015 moved into a purpose-built building
“As TADWA looks forward, we remain committed to expanding our impact through technology, accessible solutions, and deeper integration into the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“Our achievements would not have been possible without the support of state and federal funding, community partnerships, and private donations. Together, we have fostered inclusion, independence, and enhanced quality of life for thousands of Western Australians.”
Picking up on its technology roots, in 2017 The Mechatronics unit was created to reinvigorate TADWA’s focus on technology solutions and tap the growing opportunities in electronics and robotics.
This was followed in 2018 with the launch of the Brain: Body Pain Solutions service to bring innovations in pain management, including virtual reality, to the range of services provided by TADWA.
The trading name: Technology for Ageing and Disability was registered to better reflect the range of clientele and TADWA was re-branded with a modern, colourful new image that reflects the ‘team of teams’ approach to service delivery.
