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Who we are

Afford is a leading service provider in Australia. We open doors to living independently, finding a great job, meeting great people and achieving life goals. The most important thing we do is bring people together for life’s adventures. Everyone is welcome! With us you will have opportunities and choice.  

Afford is a not-for-profit, rights-based NDIS provider and Australian charities and not-for-profits commission registered charity active in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Workplace confidence rate (employment clients)

80%
Clients supported in 2025
2,100+
Years of supporting our communities
75+

Afford’s purpose, vision and values

Our purpose

To create an inclusive world where human rights are realised. A world where people of all abilities come together to share in life’s adventure.

Our vision

To improve the lives of people with disability by prioritising their choices, promoting their rights and exploring possibilities together.

Our values

Kind

We value thoughtful acts; we take time to understand the needs of people. We do the right thing; we are friendly; we are positive; and we are inclusive.

Clear

We value taking the time to make tricky things clear and simple, so they are easy to use and understand for ourselves and others. We are open, transparent and we are genuine.

Team

We value working together to achieve goals and have fun. We celebrate our wins and learn from our mistakes. We support each other and share our individual and team strengths.

Explore

We value trying new things, taking the path less travelled and embracing change. We explore with purpose to make sure we have a positive impact. We value progress, fresh thinking, flexibility, and resilience.

Afford timeline

1950s

We begin as the Poliomyelitis Society, supporting people impacted by polio. Our first rehabilitation home opens, marking the start of a journey toward greater independence for people with disability.

1960s

We launch Australia’s first disability employment service and open a self-contained village. Our new name, The Foundation for Disabled, reflects a growing focus beyond polio care.

1970s

Our employment services grow through partnerships with well-known Australian companies, creating more opportunities for people with disability to learn, earn and take part in everyday work life.

1980s

We align with the new Disability Services Act and purchase our first independent living home. It is a decade of progress, recognition and expanding opportunities.

1990s

We introduce vocational training, post-school programs and more housing options. This decade is all about learning, growth and building stronger paths to independence.

2000s

We become Afford and expand beyond New South Wales. Supported employment, housing and lifestyle programs grow nationwide, creating more choice and adventure for people with disability.

2010s

The NDIS launches and we expand into Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Residents from our village move into new community homes and find pathways to mainstream employment.

2020s

We embrace a human rights approach and introduce a new purpose, vision and values. It is an exciting new chapter as we explore a more inclusive future together.

Introducing our team

We are people people. Our leaders bring experience, curiosity and care to everything we do. Together, we create space for possibility and keep exploring new ways to support life’s adventures.
Carol Bryant

Carol Bryant

Board Chair; Audit, Assets and Risk Committee member; People and Organisational Development Committee member; Consumer Experience and Safeguarding Committee member; Corporate Development Committee member

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Paul Umbrazunas

Paul Umbrazunas

Board Director, Audit, Assets and Risk Committee Chair; Corporate Development Committee member

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Claire Vissenga

Claire Vissenga

Board Director; Consumer Experience and Safeguarding Committee Chair

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Louise Eyres

Louise Eyres

Board Director; Audit, Assets and Risk Committee member

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Viv Da Ros

Viv Da Ros

Board Director; Audit, Assets and Risk Committee member, People and Organisational Development Committee member

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Mark Arnold

Mark Arnold

Board Director; Corporate Development Committee Chair; Audit, Assets and Risk Committee member

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Jodie Haydon

Jodie Haydon

Board Director; People and Organisational Development Committee Chair; Consumer Experience and Safeguarding Committee member

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Jo Toohey

Jo Toohey

Chief Executive Officer

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Jessica Scanlan

Jessica Scanlan

Acting Chief Operations Officer

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Nick Johnson

Nick Johnson

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

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Katelyn Barakat

Katelyn Barakat

Chief People and Brand Officer

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Governance and compliance

We have clear rules and ways of working that keep everyone safe, supported and respected. Our policies and publications show how we stay true to our values and keep exploring better ways to do things together.

Culture at Afford

We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating spaces where confidence grows, skills shine and possibilities open up. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.
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Who is Afford?

Afford is a leading service provider in Australia. 

We support people with disability to do things they want to do.

Things like:

  • Living independently

Independently is when you can do things and make decisions for yourself.

  • Finding a great job
  • Meeting great people
  • Achieving life goals

Everyone is welcome!

The most important thing we do is bring people together for life’s adventures.

With us you will have opportunities and choice.

You will belong and be a part of our community.

Our purpose

Our purpose is why we exist. 

It is the main reason we do the things we do.

Afford’s purpose is:

  • To create an inclusive world where human rights are realised 

Inclusive means everyone is welcome and can take part.

  • A world where people of all abilities come together to share in life’s adventure

Our vision

Our vision is our goal for the future.

It is what we want things to look like.

Our vision is to improve the lives of people with disability by:

  • Prioritising their choices
  • Promoting their rights
  • Exploring possibilities together

Our values

Our values are Afford’s most important ideas and beliefs.

They show our people how we want them to act.

Our values are:

  • Kind
  • Clear
  • Team
  • Explore

How to talk to us

You can fill out our online form at:

www.afford.com.au/contact-us/

You can call us on the phone at

1800 233 673

We cannot wait to say hello!