TADNSW CEO Joy Barrett and TAD Founder George Winston AM holding the official opening plaque.

After more than 30 years housed in Ryde, TAD (Technical Aid to the Disabled NSW) officially opened the doors to their new Northmead home on March 26th.

TAD invited special guest Senator the Honourable Ursula Stephens Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector to unveil the plaque.

The new purpose-built premises have allowed the charity that provides personalised equipment and advice to people with disabilities and their carers to expand and grow.

When the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney began planning to redevelop the site where TAD was housed, TAD began the search for their own premises to better meet the needs of people with disabilities.

After several years of fundraising and searching, TADNSW purchased new premises at Northmead in 2007.

“The purchase and occupancy of the new property has been a vital strategic step towards the ongoing development of our services for people with disabilities,” said TAD’s Chief Executive Officer Joy Barrett.

An extensive fundraising campaign and fit out process was carried out in preparation for the move in January this year.

“We are grateful to our generous donors and volunteers who have helped make TADHouse a reality.”

“We now have a permanent home where we can continue our important and highly specialised work to provide personalised equipment and advice through the innovative services of our skilled volunteers and staff.”

TAD President Bill Phippen makes his address at the official opening of TADHouse.

TAD was founded in Sydney in 1973 by George Winston AM, and similar organisations now operate in all states of Australia and the ACT.

TAD’s services include: creating and supplying custom-designed equipment beyond the scope of commercial suppliers; modifying bicycles so that children with disabilities can ride them; refurbishing and customising recycled computers and lending them at a reduced cost, and providing information about assistive technology and equipment options.

These services wouldn’t survive without the hardworking volunteers, who play a crucial role in all of TADNSW’s services, donating work valued at over $2 million every year.

Read Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens speech.