By Jamie Salter
A new housing development designed to accommodate people living with a disability is set to open in Officer.
The Specialist Disability Housing (SDA) project aims to address a critical housing shortage for purpose built disability accommodation and will be delivered to meet the latest National Disability Insurance Agency design standards.
The three bedroom homes feature large open plan living areas as well as fully accessible features including automated entry doors, step-free access and adjustable counter tops.
The project is being delivered in collaboration with Supported Independent Living (SIL) service provider NEXTT and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider Emerge Living- both registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme to deliver services to participants.
Emerge Living general manager Mark Hudson said the home will provide a functional and safe environment for participants to live.
“This property is designed to enable participants to have choice and control over where and how they live by providing appropriate housing options that are fit for purpose and designed with the participant central to this process,” Mr Hudson said.
“This also provides the opportunity to drive greater access to the local Officer community
“It is really exciting for those participants who will be lucky enough to call it home and the broader Officer community.“
The project is positioned close to bus routes and parks, with shopping, cafés, a medical centre and train station only a quick drive away.
Located in a quiet avenue in Officer, the area boasts five recreational parks, and the popular Club Officer which hosts family dining and a sports bar.
The project is set to be completed at the end of April.
NEXTT Victorian business development manager disability and mental health Benal Keceli said she was excited to partner with Emerge Living.
“I am excited about the project and to get clients to put in expressions of interest – we’re hoping once construction is completed we will be able to have an open day so clients can feel more at home when they decide to apply,“ Ms Kecili said.
“The project itself is classified as fully accessible.
“It is very difficult to find properties for people in the area who have fully accessible SDA funding, so this will give them the benefit of living in the area close to public transport and shops.
“The project provides secure accommodation with support workers sleeping overnight, so participants get 24/7 support.“
To be eligible for the vacancy, participants are required to have an NDIS plan and eligibility for SDA and SIL funding.
The features of the property include three fully accessible bedrooms plus on-site overnight assistance with a dedicated staffing area, built-in wardrobes, two bathrooms, open plan living areas, large, modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, pull-out pantry and height adjustable bench top, automatic opening doors, split system heating and cooling and a double car garage with remote control access.
To enquire about the property or the upcoming Open Day, contact NEXTT on 03 98346003 Emerge Living on 1300 10 30 50.
