Purpose-designed specialist disability accommodation is under construction at Blackheath with NDIS participants eligible for the specialist disability accommodation payment expected to move into their new homes by Christmas.
Turning the first sods of soil last month were deputy mayor Chris Van der Kley and Macquarie MP, Susan Templeman.
Reflecting on the aspirations of the NDIS, Ms Templeman said: “There are more than 28,000 people across Australia who have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. More than 12,000 of these do not have appropriate accommodation. It is an honour to turn the first sods to begin the construction of purpose designed accommodation for these people in the electorate of Macquarie.
“The partnership we are witnessing between Kirinari as disability support provider and Independent Living Villages as the developer of the property is exactly what was anticipated when the NDIS was established.”
Independent Living Villages, which is building the homes, is a charity solely focused on the provision of disability accommodation. CEO Lindsay Kelly said “all aspects of the design take into account Livable Housing Australia design principles. These principles are relied upon by NDIS to provide a recurring funding stream to fund the higher cost of construction.”
Kirinari will be supporting the residents living in the properties. Diane Lynch, the CEO, said: ”The partnership with Independent Living Villages is a wonderful example of two charities working together delivering housing outcomes for people with disabilities.
Kirinari is working with interested participants to secure specialist disability accommodation funding in packages.”
The purpose-designed dwellings are targeted at individuals who require specialist housing solutions that cater for their significant functional impairment and/or very high support needs. There will be a strong focus on supporting people to be as independent as possible and to create a home environment that can support maintenance of family roles and contact with friends and family.
All residents in these new homes need to be eligible for the specialist disability accommodation payment from NDIS. A number of the residents are anticipated to be people using large electric wheelchairs who have limitations in physical reach and strength.
Independent Living Villages wants to provide housing for younger people who are now living in aged care facilities. Adult children living with aged carers are also expected to find this accommodation attractive.