By Nicole Smith
Having a safe home environment where you can live as independently as possible is a human right. But for many people with disability, a lack of suitably accessible housing options means this is not the case. Chris, a wheelchair user in his 30s, was one of these people.
“I was living in the middle of the CBD, I didn’t feel safe, and it was very loud.”
Chris is one of six percent of NDIS Participants eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation. His support coordinator was looking for a home for another participant when she discovered the Guardian Living Australia apartments in Maribyrnong, and realised they would match Chris’s needs.
Research tells us that having a well-located home with integrated technology and adequate support increases health and wellbeing for people with disability and fosters greater community connections. Chris’s newfound happiness in Maribyrnong is proof.
Family photos adorn his apartment, and while he lives by himself, support is available at the push of a duress button.
“I have regular support workers, but on-site workers are there as an extra pair of hands for hoisting, showering, or for emergencies.”
Chris can open the door to his apartment independently via his phone and can control his lights and blinds via his phone or wall-mounted iPad. His kitchen benches are height adjustable to make meal preparation easier.
One of the best features of Chris’s new home is its location within Maribyrnong.
“Aldi is just down the road, and there’s a smooth path down to Highpoint Shopping Centre, so there’s everything around here, I can go to physio every day.”
Even though the process of including SDA in your plan can be time-consuming, for people with disability wanting to move to Maribyrnong, Chris has simple words of encouragement.
“You won’t regret it!”
