Possability began operating in Hobart, Tasmania in 1989, as a voluntary, non-government organisation, then known as Euphrasia and led by a group of nuns. The organisation brought a new approach to support clients to have socially valued roles to help them achieve ‘a good life.' Services initially included two group homes, a transition house and the oversight of six independent units.

In 1997, Euphrasia merged with Tyenna Wholistic Health Inc. which provided supported accommodation in the community to people who had previously lived in institutional care in Willow Court, New Norfolk. The merged entity was called, Optia Incorporated. By this stage the organisation was a fully professional not for profit organisation, not aligned with a religious organisation.