Introduction: Securing suitable housing and thriving within an inclusive community are fundamental aspects of leading a fulfilling life. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricate relationship between the NDIS and the housing and community infrastructure system. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each, individuals with disabilities can confidently pursue accessible and affordable housing options while receiving the necessary support to maintain their independence.
Unpacking Housing and Community Infrastructure: Housing encompasses a variety of living arrangements that cater to individual needs. This can include social housing options like public and community housing. On the other hand, community infrastructure focuses on enhancing the accessibility of public buildings and spaces to accommodate people with disabilities.
Responsibilities of the Housing and Community Infrastructure System: The housing and community infrastructure system plays a pivotal role in ensuring everyone has access to appropriate housing. This includes:
- Housing and Accommodation: Ensuring accessible, affordable, and appropriate housing for all Australians, including those with disabilities.
- Tenancy Support: Offering routine rental support to assist with property-related questions or concerns and collaborating with landlords.
- Livable Housing Design: Implementing Livable Housing Design features in new social housing to enhance accessibility.
- Homelessness Prevention: Providing support and outreach services to prevent homelessness and assist those who are homeless.
- Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation: Offering emergency and extended accommodation for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
- Enhancing Accessibility: Improving community facilities, public buildings, and spaces to make them more inclusive and accessible through various means, such as city planning and modifications.
Responsibilities of the NDIS: While the housing and community infrastructure system focuses on housing-related aspects, the NDIS extends its support to daily life activities and independent living. This includes:
- Independent Living Support: Assisting individuals in building skills to maintain rental agreements and offering behavior support.
- Home Modifications: Funding modifications for privately owned or rented homes that aren’t social housing.
- Specialist Disability Accommodation: Providing extremely functional or high support needs in rare cases.
Real-Life Example: Meet Joss, who urgently needs to move from his shared house due to his disability-related needs. Seeking a rental property for the first time, he approaches his state housing authority for assistance. They offer emergency short-term accommodation while helping Joss find a suitable rental home. They also provide him with the necessary support to maintain his tenancy, including potential rent assistance.
The NDIS could offer additional support to help Joss thrive in his new home, such as assistance with rental inspections, bill payments, and daily life skills. By collaborating with both the housing authority and the NDIS, Joss can confidently transition to independent living.
Conclusion: The synergy between the NDIS and the housing and community infrastructure system creates a harmonious environment where individuals with disabilities can access safe, affordable housing and contribute to their communities. By understanding the distinct roles and responsibilities of each entity, individuals like Joss can secure their ideal living arrangements and enjoy the support they need to flourish independently. This collaboration marks a significant stride towards an inclusive society that values accessibility, equal opportunity, and empowerment for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
We off Support Coordination services for those who have this included in theior NDIS plan, contact us for more information.
