IT IS FANTASTIC to see new state-of-the-art accommodation being built to support those in our community living with disability.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of a new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Newcomb and it was encouraging to see the level of detail and consideration put into the space.<\/p>\n
The property will house four participants and provide high-needs disability support in an assisted independent living setting.<\/p>\n
Split into two neighbouring houses with two bedrooms in each, the property features a full suite of automation across doors, all blinds, cupboard access, lighting, heating and cooling, and electric kitchen benchtops.<\/p>\n
The additional inclusion of a backup power supply, fire sprinklers and direct intercom access to on-site overnight assistance speaks volumes about the housing provider’s commitment to resident wellbeing.<\/p>\n
As Council’s Health portfolio chair, witnessing architectural SDA builds of this calibre come to fruition in Greater Geelong fills me with pride.<\/p>\n
These aren’t just buildings, they are homes designed with both functionality and genuine care at their heart, moving away from purely clinical environments.<\/p>\n
I am also encouraged by how disability care providers are collaborating to offer a cohesive model of care for the participants in the SDA.<\/p>\n
Housing provider Livello is working closely with the team at Nextt, who are responsible for assisting participants to find a compatible support co-ordinator.<\/p>\n
These co-ordinators work on-site with a dedicated office space and ensure participants are receiving the support they need.<\/p>\n
This puts autonomy back in participants’ hands, which is hugely important given how significant their co-ordinators’ work is in their daily lives.<\/p>\n
SDAs are an important consideration for the future of our region, and facilities like these will be vital to the growing population of people living with disability in Geelong.<\/p>\n
Over the next 17 years, Greater Geelong’s total population will grow from around 289,000 to more than 400,000 people, and the need for more SDA facilities will be critical.<\/p>\n
The City of Greater Geelong is already home to about 55,000 people living with disability, making up 22 per cent of the population.<\/p>\n
Assistance and support are integral to many people with disability in the region, with about 18,000 people needing help in their day to-day lives.<\/p>\n
Surveys conducted for the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024-28 indicated that more than 25 per cent of people with disability had difficulty with access to buildings and facilities.<\/p>\n
Purpose-built SDAs such as this are a vital step towards improving access to both suitable accommodation and crucial care providers.<\/p>\n
I look forward to seeing more SDA homes of this standard become a reality across our region, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.<\/p>\n
Cr Rowan Story<\/p>\n
Murradoc Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IT IS FANTASTIC to see new state-of-the-art accommodation being built to support those in our community living with disability. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of a new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Newcomb and it was encouraging to see the level of detail and consideration put into the […]<\/p>\n