Disability service provider Ascent has announced a strategic redesign of its service model, transitioning away from centre-based programs in Armidale to focus on accommodation and community-based supports.
Ascent will cease its Life Skills Participation Program and Drop-In services at Leone’s Place in Dumaresq Street, following a comprehensive organisational review. However, Chief Executive Officer Penny Lamaro stressed that the changes do not represent a withdrawal from the community, but a strategic repositioning to strengthen its service delivery model.
“Ascent is not closing. We are strengthening.”
“By focusing on sustainable service lines and improving how we use our assets, we are building a resilient organisation capable of continuing to support people with disability across our region for many years to come,” Ms Lamaro said.
The organisation will instead expand accommodation-based and community-embedded supports, including Supported Independent Living and respite services, as it responds to what it describes as increasing financial and regulatory pressures within the NDIS environment.
Ms Lamaro said the changes are designed to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability while aligning more closely with participant needs.
“The disability sector is facing increasing financial and regulatory pressure. To ensure Ascent remains strong and sustainable into the future, we must focus our resources on services that are aligned with participant needs, contemporary models of care, and funding certainty,” Ms Lamaro said.
As part of the redesign, Ascent will begin delivering short-term accommodation, or respite, for NDIS participants. Leone’s Place will transition to a multi-purpose site supporting accommodation services, respite, training and community access.
Part of the facility will also be converted into a Supported Independent Living home, ensuring the building remains active while longer-term redevelopment planning continues. Supported Independent Living services will be consolidated and positioned for modest, controlled growth.
Ms Lamaro acknowledged the closure of the Life Skills Participation Program and Drop-In services would affect some participants and staff.
“These decisions are never easy. We are working closely with participants, families and staff to ensure respectful transitions, clear communication, and continuity of supports wherever possible. Our priority remains participant and staff wellbeing and safety,” she said.
The transition will be implemented in phases, with ongoing Board oversight and KPI-based performance monitoring. Further information will be provided directly to participants, families and stakeholders in the coming weeks.
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