By JO HARRISON
HOUSE With No Steps resident Michael Moin now has a brand new trike aptly named ’The Comet’ to get around Armidale, thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of Armidale and Armidale Central Rotary Club.
Michael tested out his new ride at a presentation last Friday with Rotary Club members and the Honourary Scot MacDonald MLC, who helped initiate the fund-raising.
House with No Steps New England operations manager Denise Aldridge said the trike will play an important part in enabling Michael to increase his mobility.
“Michael will now be more independent and able to access town easily on the trike,” Ms Aldridge said.
“We used the funds to purchase a trike which is something that Michael expressed an interest in.
“It is wonderful for the Armidale community to support these men who are locals and through either severe health incident, an accident or illness, now have their mobility restricted, ” she said.
“So to be able to have some funds earmarked specifically for these types of projects is terrific and we greatly appreciate the donations from the Rotary Clubs.”
House With No Steps is continually looking to improve the independence of residents with the next project looking at devices that are available where the men can access remote controls and buttons that will turn on their lights, TV and open and close doors.
House with No Steps (HWNS) is a leading not-for-profit organisation providing services and support to 3600 people with a disability across 200 locations in NSW, QLD and the ACT.
The organisation offers employment, education, training, accommodation and social connections programs.
Over the past two years, HWNS has extended its service operations to include the New England region and currently provides varying models of accommodation support both in Tamworth and Armidale.
HWNS in New England is also an approved provider of individually designed services for young people leaving schools through the Community Participation Program.
It can also support others through the Life Choices, Active Ageing and Supported Living Fund programs.
