Home

IN PICTURES: Albany Local Disability Expo at town hall showcases support available to people with disability

Claire MiddletonAlbany Advertiser
Michelle Joyce, Sarah Pegden and Robyn France.
Camera IconMichelle Joyce, Sarah Pegden and Robyn France. Credit: Claire Middleton

People living with a disability, their service providers, support workers and carers filled the town hall for the Albany Local Disability Expo on Wednesday.

Organised by the Disability Events Community, the event aimed to help people navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and to offer insight and information.

“If someone becomes disabled, they often think ‘what do I do, where do I start, where do I go for help?’,” DEC director Leigh Hunter said.

“It can be hard to navigate the system and suppliers, so we hope the event provided help, information and education to everyone.”

Tania Kleppe, Leigh Hunter and Perry Hunter.
Camera IconTania Kleppe, Leigh Hunter and Perry Hunter. Credit: Claire Middleton

Mrs Hunter had to plot her way through the system when husband Brett suffered complications following ankle surgery and became an amputee.

“As a 47-year-old active man who suddenly became an amputee, it was a severe shock,” she said.

“I had worked within the disability sector, but it was still hard to navigate the system, so this event was about helping people find help and advice.”

Miriam Willmer from Spencer Park has complex medical needs and attended the event with mum Mary.

“I’m keen to find out about the services I can access,” the 25-year-old said.

“Everyone has been super helpful and friendly.”

The event was sponsored by disability housing provider GR8.

Mary Willmer and daughter Miriam Willmer.
Camera IconMary Willmer and daughter Miriam Willmer. Credit: Claire Middleton
Dee Soldat.
Camera IconDee Soldat. Credit: Claire Middleton
Renee Pearce, Deb Duvall, Bec Griffiths and Danielle Greenham.
Camera IconRenee Pearce, Deb Duvall, Bec Griffiths and Danielle Greenham. Credit: Claire Middleton
Ria Atienza, Michelle Evans and Gillian Murray.
Camera IconRia Atienza, Michelle Evans and Gillian Murray. Credit: Claire Middleton
Ross Evans, Lauren Caughey, Nathan Caughey and Ella Caughey.
Camera IconRoss Evans, Lauren Caughey, Nathan Caughey and Ella Caughey. Credit: Claire Middleton
Anna Speirs, Kenan Ford and Alerose Ambong.
Camera IconAnna Speirs, Kenan Ford and Alerose Ambong. Credit: Claire Middleton
Rowena Field and Gemma Banfield.
Camera IconRowena Field and Gemma Banfield. Credit: Claire Middleton
Tara Brian.
Camera IconTara Brian. Credit: Claire Middleton
Haylee Pitts.
Camera IconHaylee Pitts. Credit: Claire Middleton
Rosh Rao, Connor Curtis and Renee Pearce.
Camera IconRosh Rao, Connor Curtis and Renee Pearce. Credit: Claire Middleton

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails