Supporting disability inclusion with evacuation chairs at Bayley House

Bayley House, located in Bayside Melbourne, provides innovative and inclusive services for over 250 adults with intellectual disabilities. Their offerings include day programs, transport, support coordination, and various supported living arrangements fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful community contributions.

Bayley House identified a critical gap in their evacuation preparedness for individuals with high support needs. If there was a fire, a lift break-down or another emergency at their two-storey Bayley Arts facility in Highett, or the Middle Crescent site, staff may be unable to evacuate clients safely.

With support from four Freemasons Lodges (Lodge of Quest No. 587, Lodge EOS No. 880, Lodge of Australia Felix No. 1, and Lodge of Concentration No. 753) and the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, Bayley House purchased three evacuation chairs – two manual and one battery-operated, designed to safely evacuate individuals via stairs during emergencies.

The total project cost was $10,885, with lodges raising $2,000, and FFV donating $8,885 via a Masonic Grant.

On 7 November 2024, a formal presentation of the equipment took place at Bayley Arts. Attendees included Bayley Arts Program Manager Tess Hens, Director of Philanthropy Michelle Hayward, Client Representative Hayley James, along with Worshipful Master Michael Butera and Secretary Jeff Swallow of the Lodge of Quest.

Bayley House expressed their gratitude with a tour of their facilities, introducing guests to clients engaged in various activities. The installation of evacuation chairs ensures that all clients, including those with mobility challenges, can be evacuated quickly and safely, and enhances Bayley House’s ability to provide a secure environment for its programs and events. The Bayley Arts Centre, in particular, continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity and inclusion, now bolstered by improved emergency preparedness.