About Us
HISTORY OF HEADWAY ADP
In response to the individual needs of both the person who has sustained a head injury and their families, the Headway Adult Development Program (ADP) was established in May 1983 to fill one of the gaps in services following the hospital stages of treatment. The program was initiated through the combined efforts of a parent support group then known as Cerebration and Lidcombe Hospital Head Injury Unit Community Team. It was also assisted by a grant from the Board of Adult Education.
Initially, the program was run in the grounds of the Lidcombe Hospital and had a primary focus on providing respite.
In 1986, the program made a successful transition to a community based setting. With the assistance of a one off capital grant and recurrent salary grant from the then Department of Community Services and Health (DHHCS), the program moved to a purpose-built centre in 1989 at 6 Percy Street, Bankstown.
On 3 July 1992, Headway Adult Development Program became incorporated and thus assumed responsibility for itself.
Under the Disabilities Service Act, a range of service types were funded. At the time, the service type that was considered most appropriate by DHHCS was the Independent Living Training (ILT) Service and accordingly the program was funded under this. This model removed the more traditional respite role.
From 1 July 1993, the NSW Department of Community Services (now DADHC) took over responsibility of funding for the ADP from DHHCS as part of the Commonwealth / State Disability Agreement of NSW. A service review was conducted in 1998 and the program moved to a community access model.
In April 2006 Headway ADP transferred from having Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) staff to receiving a recurrent grant from SSWAHS.
Today Headway ADP continues to receive the majority of our funding from Department of Disability, Ageing and Homecare and Sydney South West Area Health Service.
Sailability at Penrith Lakes
Headway ADP Art Exhibition