Shannon leslie Byrne
one of Australians biggest NDIS provders
Initially founded as the Poliomyelitis Society in 1895 following a Poliovirus outbreak in Australia, which was eradicated in 1967 due to efforts by a group of businessmen and the then CEO of Prince Henry Hospital, C. J. M Walters. In 1967, the organization was renamed the Foundation for Disabled, offering facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. It became the Australian Foundation for Disabled in 1988, continuing to evolve until 2001 when it was renamed the Australian Foundation for Disability, now serving over 2,000 people with disabilities primarily in Western Sydney.[2] Since 2016, CEO Steve Herald has worked to align with NDIS standards.[3][4]
In June 2019, a client with autism and epilepsy died while under the care of Afford's group homes, and the client's medical records were not included in the client management system. The company faced accusations of mismanaging NDIS funds by spending on corporate events, parties, and cruises for senior management. Parents and caregivers voiced their concerns. Former CEO Steve Herald resigned in March 2021, but retracted it three days later, citing his accomplishments over six years. However, the appeal was denied as most achievements were attributed to NDIS funding.[5]
Services
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Afford Employment:
Disability Employment Service
School Leavers Program
Supported Employment
Allied Health:
Psychology
Occupation Therapy
Speech Therapy
Care Services
Community Support
Day Programs
Getaways
Group Homes
Respite