It’s why they describe their Believe Housing Australia apartment at Woodville West as “life-changing”.
The pair, who lived in their Oaklands Park Housing Trust home for seven years, needed larger living spaces after Peter’s neurological condition worsened and he required a wheelchair to move around.
After communicating their needs to Housing Trust, they were relocated to another property, which, while larger, was still not accessible for Peter.
“The bathroom was at the back of the property and only accessible by steps – not safe for Peter, who would experience falls trying to get down those steps with his wheelchair,” Kelly said.
“We were told by Housing Trust that it was the best we were going to get and that we needed to look into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) if we wanted an accessible property.”
Unfortunately, Kelly and Peter’s difficulty finding an accessible and affordable home is widespread.
Approximately five per cent of all new homes built in South Australia each year are built to an accessible standard, meaning that many people with disability are waiting significantly longer for a suitable home to become available, according to Believe Housing Australia’s Disability Housing Roundtable findings.
This chronic shortage of suitable housing has left many people with disability living in unsuitable conditions with inadequate support, negatively impacting their mobility, health, and community participation.
Peter and Kelly knew they couldn’t keep living in an unsafe property but felt their request to live in an accessible property was falling on deaf ears.
“We didn’t want Peter to live in a group home and be separated,” Kelly said.
“We’re youngish, still happily married, and our grandchildren spend the night occasionally. If we were separated it would have taken away our quality of life and lifestyle.
“We were about to give up when we met Geoff at the Disability, Aging, and Lifestyle Expo. 
Geoff Bishop, Disability Accommodation Officer at Believe Housing Australia, helped Kelly and Peter transfer from social to community housing and find an SDA property suitable for Peter’s needs.
“Advocacy-wise, the relief and the support we’ve received from Geoff has been phenomenal,” Kelly said.
“He took the time to listen to Peter’s needs. We’ve felt he has supported, looked out for, and fought hard for us.”
Kelly said securing a Believe Housing Australia-managed Woodville West SDA apartment has been life changing.
“It’s changed Peter’s life for the better,” Kelly said.
“He’s sleeping better, and what was once a daily occurrence of him falling over or bumping into walls and furniture has now stopped. He’s had fewer falls and has been safer than he’s been in the last three years.
“I don’t have to follow him around the house and make sure he doesn’t fall. I feel more comfortable going out knowing he’s with a carer and is going to be safe.”
What is SDA?
SDA housing provides purpose-built or modified homes that enhance accessibility and independence for people with disability, with features like ramps and ceiling hoists. It is designed for those with extreme functional impairment and/or those who have very high support needs.
An SDA property must meet one of four design categories:
People who are eligible for SDA funding must be a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant. SDA funding covers the housing costs, while support services are funded separately.
Believe Housing Australia’s SDA properties
Believe Housing Australia is creating more choice for people like Peter and Kelly by providing and managing SDA rental properties that support them to achieve independence and participate in the community.
Our major housing developments in Woodville West, Mansfield Park, and Panorama, as well as several established homes across metropolitan and regional South Australia, have been built and renovated to SDA design standards.
For more information about our SDA properties, please visit our website or contact our team by filling out our online contact form.
Married couple Kelly and Peter know first-hand the harsh reality of trying to find a home that is both accessible and affordable. It’s why they describe their Believe Housing Australia apartment at Woodville West as “life-changing”. The pair, who lived in their Oaklands Park Housing Trust home for seven years, needed larger living spaces … Continued
Formerly known as AnglicareSA Housing, Believe Housing Australia continues to be a part of the AnglicareSA family and remains a subsidiary company of AnglicareSA.
Visit one of our four locations in metropolitan or regional South Australia, give us a call or contact us online.
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