Our History

scosa, the Spastic Centres of South Australia Inc, plays an important role in South Australia's history.

Our organisation was born from a fierce determination by a small group of parents, who simply wanted a better life for their children.

In 1946 a single room within the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, under the determined guidance of a passionate Director, Miss Daphne Gum OBE, OAM, and the third school for cerebral palsy in Australia was born.

On 18 April 1950, with an ever growing need, the South Australian Spastic Paralysis Welfare Association was incorporated with office bearers comprised mainly of parents of children with disabilities within the Western Suburbs of Adelaide. This organisation was to become scosa.

In 1954 The Spastic Centres of South Australia became actively involved in the Miss South Australia and Miss Australia Quests to provide funds to support the growing organisation; it also increased community awareness.

The Woodville site has been home to a number of services that support people with disabilities. It was once an educational facility that provided other services including: speech pathology; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; medical services; splint making facilities; accommodation; and even palliative care and nursing home services.

However, in 1995 the Education Department became responsible for the education of children with disabilities and institutional accommodation began to devolve to community settings. As a result, CARA (Community Accommodation and Respite Agency Inc) was established and is now an independent organisation that shares our history.

scosa continues to provide a range of day services for people with disabilities throughout South Australia.