As Scope, the entities of Scope (Vic), Disability Services Australia and Home@Scope become one, with a shared single purpose to create meaningful opportunities for people with disability to belong and thrive.
Following a period of voluntary administration, Scope was selected as the preferred new owner of Disability Services Australia (DSA), supporting more than 1,500 customers and employing more than 1,600 people in key regions of NSW, including metropolitan Sydney. The coming together of Scope and DSA strengthens Scope's position as one of the largest national providers of disability services.
A review of disability accommodation services by Uniting Vic.Tas. showed larger disability providers like Scope were better placed to deliver SIL services in this region. With a shared vision to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents, their families, and the staff who support them, Uniting Vic.Tas. and Scope worked closely in support of a seamless transition to Scope.
A global outbreak of COVID-19 brings uncertainty and many challenges for staff and customers. Scope teams work together to keep customers safe and protected, purchasing thousands of units of PPE.
Scope was selected by the Victorian Government to deliver Supported Independent Living services to residents living in specialist disability accommodation houses and participants accessing 12 short term accommodation and assistance services across Victoria.
Scope transitioned to the NDIS in line with the rollout across Victoria. It was rolled out by groups of local area governments over a three year period from 2016 - 2019.
Every Australian Counts (EAC) launched and fought for the introduction of the NDIS. EAC was made up of hundreds of thousands of people who came together to fight for a fair go for people with disability in Australia. Scope clients, their families, and staff played a part in the campaign and focused on the need to ensure the NDIS was featured in forward estimates of the 2016 federal budget.
Scope launches Kaleidoscope art program. Kaleidoscope is a visual art project showcasing the works of talented artists with disability who access Scope services across Victoria.
Scope opens Gokids and the Communication Resource Centre. The Resource Centre is a service unique to Scope – it provides information, advice and resources that focus on communication, access and inclusion. GoKids is a physiotherapy service that gives expert advice and support for children with profound and complex mobility needs by assessing them for appropriate mobility devices. Scope is the only physiotherapy provider in Victoria that is qualified to service, make and modify Hart Walkers.
On 18th September 2001, the organisation starts the new millennium by changing its name from the Spastic Society of Victoria and becoming ‘Scope’ - a word that reflects a wide-ranging view, unlimited potential, opportunity and choice. During this time, Scope adopted the mantra of “see the person.”
The Disability Discrimination Act. In 1992, the Disability Discrimination Act was introduced to eliminate discrimination against people with of disability in areas like employment, accommodation and leisure. Local high schools started to participate in “experience programs” that saw groups of students from mainstream schools assist with lunch and other programs.
International Year of Disabled Persons. The year had a profound effect on raising awareness of disability in Australia, placing it firmly on the human services agenda. New philosophies such as normalisation and de-institutionalisation were spreading in influence. Accommodation was one of the biggest areas for growth during the eighties with a significant move away from being facility-based to becoming a home.
The Spastic Society of Victoria. In 1980 the organisation becomes the Spastic Society of Victoria with a philosophy that ‘each person has an inherent right to participate in life’s opportunities. Disabled people have special needs which when left unmet; limit the individuals’ opportunities to develop his or her maximum potential’.
Marathon closes its doors. Former student of Marathon and DMH Centre, Joanne Van Den Eynden, wrote of her indebtedness to staff there and her fond memories of Marathon: “I have never since felt the atmosphere that was there. There was a total team spirit! People were helping and working together for the same goal.”
By 1968, there were officially 500 adults and children using Scope’s services across Victoria and life was vibrant. Social evenings took place once a month and some participant groups managed a magazine and their own social activities groups
A year after forming, the Marathon school was established, which focused on education and helped students build independence in a community environment.
The idea to form a society was discussed by a group of parents desperate at the lack of support for their children with cerebral palsy. These families banded together to create an organisation that provided support for their children, known as the Spastic Children's Society of Victoria.
