A small, full for-profit (National Disability Insurance Scheme) NDIS-registered provider, it is based at Westpoint Blacktown Shopping centre, and started operations in 2021.
Led by two brothers Mahmoud and Mando Fahmy who are committed to helping people with disabilities, they have over 21 years of combined industry experience to provide with the best care.
It all started when irked by inequalities affecting people with disabilities over the span of their careers, the Fahmy brothers felt compelled to make a difference. They were motivated by a strong belief in their ability to advocate and be the voice of change.
To get the best results, Ability Choice Care ensures that participants are part of a community-based environment where they can together explore life skills such as cooking, budgeting, shopping. They also ensure that participants engage with brain-training apps designed to support memory and cognitive functions.
An activity centre is built inside the premises just to ensure that participants learn by doing. That in turn fosters friendships and reduces social isolation.
“We take great pride in our activity centre, which has been operating since December of last year and now serves over 30 participants weekly. Our centre is truly unique in the area, featuring meaningful programs and advanced electronic equipment, including a sensory room tailored to individuals with sensory need and a large multi-ball screen for interactive virtual games like soccer, basketball, and memory cards,” says Mahmoud Fahmy, CEO at Ability Choice Care.
“It also helped that the brothers were familiar with Blacktown and its diverse community. We knew that our experience within the local government area would help us connect and serve effectively,” says Mahmoud.
The Challenges
Having said that, there are a few challenges that the Centre is facing. It is primarily raising awareness about their services, not only at the activity centre but also for individuals seeking home support. Ability Choice Care also offers Supported Independent Living homes in several LGAs.
The Fahmy brothers are consistently trying to enhance the quality of their services. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, they are focused on growing responsibly to ensure that expansion never compromises the high standard of care they provide.
Significantly, with an awareness of the needs of an aging population, the brothers are exploring opportunities to expand into the aged care sector. Additionally, they offer a school holiday program designed to engage and support younger participants.
“At Ability Choice Care, our primary focus is on supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. Our ethos is participant-cantered, and we take pride in helping individuals achieve their personal goals.
"We are honoured to work with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, and we value our multilingual staff who come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, enriching our team's cultural competence,” says Mahmoud.
One-Year Anniversary
Ability Choice Care has been operating in Blacktown since December 2023. Carers working at the centre consider it a privilege to be able to be a part of their participants’ journey, celebrating their growth and achievements.
The Centre is celebrating their one-year anniversary on December 12, where each participant would be presented with a memory book highlighting last year’s achievements, thus celebrating their little triumphs and wins. They would also recognise the carers who make a difference in the lives of participants.
Story by SASWATI MUKHERJEE.
