Cara’s history can be traced back to the formation of the South Australian Spastic Paralysis Welfare Association (SASPWA). Established by a passionate group of parents, advocates and community members, the organisation was born from a shared determination to create better opportunities for children and adults living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. At a time when support services were limited and disability was often misunderstood, these pioneers recognised the need for an organisation that could provide both practical assistance and a voice for families.

The establishment of SASPWA marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to improve the lives of people with disability across South Australia. The organisation worked to connect families, provide access to support and services, advocate for greater inclusion, and challenge prevailing attitudes towards disability. Through education and community awareness, SASPWA helped create conversations that many families had previously struggled to have.

What began as a grassroots movement would grow into a leading force for change. Over the decades that followed, SASPWA played a vital role in shaping disability support, promoting greater community participation and creating new opportunities for people with disability to live fuller and more independent lives. Its vision, advocacy and commitment to inclusion laid the foundations for the organisation that would eventually evolve into Cara, continuing a legacy of possibility that remains at the heart of our work today.