ONE of the beneficiaries of housing for people with disabilities Brendon Woolf says it’s time for governments to support independent living.
Mr Woolf was the first resident to move into new apartments at Loganlea, and will be in his own home for the first time, wtih wheelchair access, an accessible bathroom and shower, an ambulant toilet, and other living features.
“I most love the freedom that this gives me, to have friends over in a space that is my own. I am very passionate that participants should be able to choose where they want to live and who they want to live with, just like any able-bodied person can,” the 36-year-old said.
Mr Woolf said he had learned a lot since starting his Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) journey and believes challenges will continue “until they iron out the kinks and put it all together.”
“Independent living options in SDA are a great tool, but where and how they are implemented causes a lot of confusion,” he said.
“I would love to use my knowledge to help others in this area because there are brilliant housing models available right now, but if the participants can’t get access to them, what good are they?
“People with disabilities have enough challenges and each participant is different. Even though I am still on my journey, part of me now wants to be more involved in the SDA space, to contribute more to it and help other participants navigate it.”
At an event to see him move into the Adapt Housing complex, he was surprised by a visit from one of his heroes Darius Boyd.
The purpose-designed apartments are funded by NDIS. Four have participants with high physical support or improved liveability needs.
Participants for the remaining six apartments are still awaiting NDIS funding, with two other apartments in the complex for use by staff who provide 24/7 concierge support.
According to March 2020 data, only 29 SDA dwellings were planned, contracted or under construction for the Logan – Beaudesert area.
According to Adapt Housing CEO David Whitelaw, a shortfall is being increased by delays to funding to NDIS participants such as Mr Woolf, with the latest reports stating only 54% of the estimated 28,000 eligible NDIS participants receive payments for SDA.
“The other major challenge for the sector continues to be that participants who qualify for SDA may not be aware that they can access this brand-new, specifically designed housing to meet their needs, or have their own home or accommodation purpose-built to suit their needs, for no or very little cost under the NDIS,” Mr Whitelaw said.
