The disability service marks its half-century anniversary this year, with the Launceston branch staging a special presentation in Seaport on Monday to commemorate the milestone.

Able Australia came to Tasmania 11 years ago, and has since established strong networks in Hobart and Launceston.

What is now a multi-faceted organisation that stretches across Australia began in 1967 when a group of parents banded together to form the Victorian Deaf Blind and Rubella Children’s Association.

Created in response to what they believed to be a lack of support and understanding, the Association focused on creating resources for parents and friends of people with deafblindness.

Initially, it came in the form of a residential facility that opened at Mornington in Kew during the early 1970s.

The Association continued to gain traction in the years that followed, appointing its first professional staff member and commencing a range of fundraising activities.

It continued its momentum into the next decade, opening group homes in Glen Waverley, Moorabbin and Croydon to provide people with deafblindness greater independence in a safe and nurturing environment.

The new millenium brought with it a change in name and expansion from the mainland.

The same year Able Australia came into existence, the first Tasmanian Supported Independent Living house was opened in the Legana area .

Since then, the service has offered supported independent living, community participation programs, support coordination, and short term accommodation (respite) and in home support.

Today, Able Australia supports more than 150 clients in Tasmania, many of whom have high and complex support needs, to reach their individual goals, be seen, heard and respected members of the Tasmanian community.

As part of the supported independent living services, Able Australia assist clients to live as independently as possible by getting to know and understand their interests, likes/dislikes and goals for the future.

Among them is Karen van der Pols, who was just two weeks into her new job as RSPCA Tasmania's chief executive when she had a stroke on June 23, 2010.

After spending her 50^th birthday in hospital, Ms van der Pols returned to Launceston, where she began receiving support from Able Australia. 

She said staff have been with her for each step of the rehabilitation process.

“Early on, I struggled to walk and do other everyday activities,” she said.

“The staff at Able Australia helped me to set out goals for a more independent lifestyle, and have always been there whenever I have needed them.

“Their support and perseverance really made a difference for me.

“They were as determined as me, which was great.”

Able Australia not only own and operate several houses across Tasmania, but also provide community-based activities to people with disabilities.

One of the biggest developments to come out of the organisation in the past couple of years has been the introduction of its Youth Program, which has come on the back of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In August, a collaboration between the program and Stompin Youth Dance studio was launched, giving dancers of all abilities the opportunity to perform on stage.

Stompin project leader Gabriel Comerford hoped the project would reverse some assumptions that people living with disability didn’t have anything to say.

“We’ve tried to get carers onto the floor (with the participants) as equals,” Comerford said.

“For me, it’s about giving everyone a chance to find a voice through the arts.”

The program also includes a culinary option, with participants to stage a Community Kitchen at the Inveresk Tavern on November 16. Able Australia area manager Daniel Barry said it was about giving the next generation real world experience.

“Through the Community Kitchen, they will be have the chance to serve food, and learn other important life skills,” he said.

“The program has had a great impact so far, and we will continue to tailor it to serve the needs of the community.”