Optia Incorporated began operation in September 1997 as Euphrasia Tyenna Inc., following an agreement between the members and Boards of Management of Euphrasia Inc and Tyenna Wholistic Health Inc to amalgamate the two accommodation services, whose principal basis of operation was the provision of accommodation to people with an intellectual disability.

Euphrasia Inc. began in 1989 as a non-government organisation initially based around services previously provided by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The name Euphrasia was chosen by the Board and members. It was significant for the Sisters as Sr. Mary Euphrasia founded the order in the 19th century. Since that time the Sisters have had a major impact on the community in their care and support of people with intellectual disabilities, by providing both accommodation and employment options.

Euphrasia continued with the work of the Sisters by continuing the accommodation support of the residents and changing the approach to fit the objectives espoused by the Theory of Social Role Valorisation, and therefore meeting today’s needs with a modern approach to service delivery. Two group homes, a transition house and the oversight of six independent units were funded to provide support to the clients, many of whom had been part of the client group of the Sisters for many years.

Tyenna commenced operation in January 1992, with the first residents from Willow Court taking up their new community accommodation in two group homes in July 1992.

In January 1993 the Department accepted a submission to expand Tyenna, and also to enable Tyenna to institute a pilot project, consisting of a Rehabilitation Model including day services being auspiced by Tyenna. This ran very successfully until October 1995 when day services were contracted out to separate organisations, to avoid breaching the Disability Services Act by providing ‘whole of life’ support.

Optia has mainly community clients, many of whom have a dual diagnosis, and many skills have been developed over the years in this area.

Optia Incorporated believes that all people have the right to live within a community setting; to develop their potential and access options to the best of their ability; and with appropriate support and training to assist the development of their skills whilst enhancing their existing skills.

It is the intention of Optia Incorporated to continually strive for Best Practice within the sector for the benefit of the residents.