From hidden away to a much-loved member of the community: Kevin’s 40-year journey reflects how disability care has changed.
More than 40 years ago, Kevin Finlayson lived at a segregated residential facility for people with disability. Afford’s Cherrywood Village, in Llandilo, New South Wales, was a sprawling 22-hectare purpose-built disability community/campus. It offered accommodation, swimming pool, sports oval and more.
Cherrywood Village had it all. The downside, however, residents were effectively isolated from their local community with little chance to connect with others.
Kevin’s journey from living in that well-resourced, but cut-off facility, to a modern apartment in the heart of a thriving and friendly neighbourhood, is a powerful illustration of how disability support has transformed in recent times.
Three quarters of a Century
It is also a story that reflects Afford’s 75-year journey.
“The way people with disability live today is a 100 per cent improvement on how we lived in the past,” says Kevin.
“Cherrywood Village was amazing at the time. But things have changed … and it’s great that Afford has also. Today, living within a community, living a normal life alongside everyone else, feels good. People with disability want to do normal things, live like normal people … and to make decisions about their own lives so I am happy to see that happening.”
Afford began supporting people with disability in 1951. It was a time when people with disability were routinely separated from the broader community and had far fewer opportunities to make choices about their own lives.
Expectations, models of support and community attitudes have since changed dramatically. And Afford has too.
The event was opened with a smoking ceremony, hosted by Dharug Elder Uncle Colin Locke.
A brand-new model
Today, people supported by Afford live in contemporary homes, make choices about their lives, build careers and relationships, participate in their local communities and are recognised as valued members of the neighbourhoods they call home.
For Kevin, that transformation is deeply personal.
Since moving from Afford’s Cherrywood Village to Thornton, Penrith, New South Wales, he has built an independent life and career and become a passionate and popular advocate for people with disability.
Kevin’s story perfectly captures the significance of the organisation’s 75-year milestone, says Afford’s Head of Engagement Nicole Bryson.
“Kevin’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when people with disability are given the opportunity, support and confidence to build lives on their own terms,” says Ms Bryson.
“Seventy-five years ago, the expectations placed on people with disability were very different. Today, we know that people should have choice, independence and the opportunity to be fully included in their communities.
“The people we support and the communities around us have evolved and Afford has evolved too. Our responsibility is to keep looking forward and continue adopting best practice so that the next generation has even greater opportunities.”
Kevin and his support worker were delighted to be on hand to kick off the event in Penrith on September 19.
A very proud moment
In a true full-circle moment, Kevin took to the stage to help Afford celebrate its 75th birthday in September – this time as the organisation’s Master of Ceremonies.
The celebration brought together people supported by Afford, families, employees, volunteers, community partners and local representatives who celebrated not only the organisation’s history, but the people who have shaped it.
Local dignitaries attended including Member for Penrith Karen McKeown MP, a representative of Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and Penrith Deputy Mayor Cr Garion Thain. Afford Board Chair Carol Bryant was also in attendance as was Board member Claire Vissenga.
Following the formal proceedings, the celebration continued with live music from the Uklectics, a silent disco, free ice cream and other activities. More than 1000 guests attended the event and Kevin was thrilled with the day and his significant role in it.
“It was a genuinely moving look back at just how far we’ve come,” he says.
“And I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Another long-time client Jodie Stitt (centre) also took part in the formalities.
