Issue 5 - June 2020

Celebrating new SDA rules and our 2nd birthday

Hello to you all.

We hope you've been healthy and well over the last few months and isolation didn't drive you nuts.

It's great to see the majority of Australia doing so well in their battle against COVID-19. We send our best wishes to those of you based in Victoria, and hope you get a handle on the spread of cases very soon.

We have postponed another of our face-to-face Match Up events as a result of COVID-19 - we just want to make sure everyone feels comfortable to attend - check out our current dates here. 

On 18 June 2020 people with disability and the disability housing industry received fantastic news when the Hon. Stuart Robert MP, Minister for the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme, signed new SDA Rules. There were a few changes, but the most exciting one now allows SDA eligible participants to share an enrolled SDA dwelling with non-SDA eligible individuals. This is a huge step forward as finally, SDA participants find themselves with the same rights afforded to all other Australian’s – the right to choose with whom they live!

We popped the champagne... and hope you did too!

Nest also celebrated its second birthday back in May so happy birthday to us! My how we have grown. We now have more than 450 providers listing over 1100 properties on the site and just under 3500 people searching for their new home on our site every month! If you found your new home through Nest and are keen to tell your story, please let us know! Email the team at: info@gonest.com.au

Nest 3.0 (that is, our fancy new release with lots of special features we know you're going to love) is oh so close!! We are currently in the final testing stages and therefore will likely be in contact to let you know about the release date soon. Searching for, reviewing, filtering options and applying for properties will be so much easier for you. We know you're going to love it.

Take care everyone and we will be in touch again soon. 

Team Nest

Want to be a 'movie' star?

Did you find a new home for yourself or someone you support by using the Nest site? If yes, we want to hear from you! For anyone that is happy to be involved, we will provide a $100 gift voucher of your choice for your time and you could be the face of Nest in publications and possibly even a video! Want to be a movie star? Let us know! Email us on info@gonest.com.au or call us on 1300 547 905. Support Coordinators are welcome too! 

Under the Covers releases final video

Northcott Innovation's (NI) Under the Covers campaign has released its final video. 

Under the Covers is a campaign raising awareness and educating the community about the right for people with disability to express their sexuality, have fulfilling and loving relationships, and enjoy a satisfying sexual life.

The final video focuses on sex workers. What do disability-friendly sex workers do? How do you find one? How do you talk to your family and friends about them? Six people with disability discuss the stigmas, difficulties and rewards involved in accessing sex workers in the latest episode.

Watch the video now or check out information about the whole campaign on the NI website.

Introducing the brand new Sheffield Quarter

AccessAccom has is thrilled to be partnering with Urban Property Group to offer ten SDA apartments with On-Site Overnight Assistance in the brand new precinct of Sheffield Quarter.

This new development is well underway. It is conveniently located adjacent to Penrith station and in close proximity to local amenities. Sheffield Quarter is an exciting precinct perfectly positioned in Penrith’s emerging urban centre - a vibrant community to suit everyone and every lifestyle.

There are five one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments on offer, which are integrated into a residential development totalling 70 dwellings.

Key features of the developments include a central locality within close proximity to transport and amenities, accessible building features and integrated and non-identifiable dwellings.

Other features include:

• Automatic doors
• Air conditioning
• Deck
• Outdoor living/entertainment area
• Undercover access from parking to property
• Ensuite bathrooms

Check out the property today on Nest. 

The Ability SDA team celebrating Christmas 2019

Ability SDA

Tell us about Ability SDA. Who are you and what do you do?
Ability SDA are a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider who specialise in High Physical Support (HPS) apartments that are purpose-built and unique in design. Our standard two-bedroom apartments are extra-large, completely accessible and equipped with the provision for a ceiling hoist and home automation. All properties have a separate apartment dedicated to an onsite overnight support team who are available to assist tenants 24/7.

How big is the team and where are you based?
Based in Sydney, the directors Paul and Angie Simmons lead a small, dedicated team of six and work closely with specialised consultants in disability housing, construction and property management.

What is Ability SDA passionate about?
Realising the very limited accommodation options for people with complex physical disabilities and their need for appropriate housing, we embarked on a mission to not only create suitable spaces but to make beautiful homes.

It’s our goal to see people living their best life as independently as possible in their own homes. Our design revolves around our core focuses of functionality, safety and aesthetics that lead to a better and more socially inclusive life for the tenants.

How long has Ability SDA been in the disability housing industry?
We were established in 2016, and in that time we’ve embarked on five projects across Australia.

Ability Apartments Guildford opened in July 2019 and is home to 14 residents while Ability Apartments Villawood opened recently in May and has 11 residents currently transitioning into the building.

Opening soon are Ability Apartments Gosford Showground Road and Gosford Central which are due for completion in the coming months and will have 20 residents between them.

Excitingly, the fifth project Ability Apartments Townsville has had plans approved and is about to enter the pre-construction phase.

What are your biggest achievements over the past 6 months?
Our main focus and accomplishment over the last six months has been the lead up and opening of Ability Apartments Villawood. Navigating and achieving 11 SDA HPS approvals during this unusual time has been particularly challenging and rewarding. Since Ability Apartments Villawood opened six weeks ago, the focus has shifted to transitioning tenants into the building and making sure they are all settling in well. This includes five people who have left long term stays in hospital and are moving in to their very own apartment— a truly life-changing move for them.

What will be your biggest challenges in the next 3 months?
With two Ability Apartments Gosford locations opening in the next few months, the biggest challenges will be dealing with the NDIA to get all approvals for SDA, Assistive Technology and Supported Independent Living for 20 participants and the transition process thereafter.

What makes Ability SDA different to other disability housing providers?
Our smaller team allows us to be responsive, provide personalised service and a holistic approach from application through to move in and beyond. We support participants and their teams to navigate the complex SDA process and consider all their needs, creating an individualised housing solution. To date we’ve helped over 25 participants get their SDA approvals and move into one of our apartments.

Additionally, our apartments are very large and almost always two bedrooms. All our apartments achieve platinum level Liveable Housing Australia standard as a minimum.

If you could change one thing about disability housing what would it be?
Apart from a smoother approval process and more accessible community infrastructure, the one thing that we would most like to see change is that people know that SDA exists! We are constantly approached by people who have only just discovered that SDA is an option for them or their clients. We are excited and encouraged to see word spread and more people understand how SDA works and its ability to transform people’s lives.

Please note this next sections is a paid advertisement.

Understanding what kind of Individual Living Options (ILO) model is right for you or your loved one can be overwhelming – that’s why we support you through the process from start to finish.

Let us:

• Help you understand the different ILO options, such as hosts, co-residents, homeshare, supporting friends and families
• Work with your Coordinator of Supports to arrive at the right ILO option for you
• Use our established local neighbourhood teams to implement and provide supports needed 
• Creative use of ILOs to deliver affordable and achievable housing options

Learn more, complete our online ILO Starting Questions and start your journey today! 
https://mysupports.com.au/individual-living-options-ilo

The Nest team is constantly reviewing the COVID-19 situation throughout Australia and will continue to revise our dates for the Match Up events to ensure we are only holding them when everyone feels safe to attend. 

However, you can still register for the events (they are and always will be free for people with disability or their support coordinator/carer) and if we have to move the date, we will notify you. Register today!

Wednesday 19 August: Central Coast Nest Match Up, Gosford RSL, 26 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford

Tuesday 1 September: Brisbane Nest Match Up: Virginia Golf Club, Elliott Road, Banyo

Thursday 3 September: Sunshine Coast Nest Match Up, Maroochy Surf Club, 36 Alexandra Parade, Maroochydore

Hi Nana,

I finally feel like I am ready to make the big move and try to find an independent home out of my family home. No doubt my parents are keen for me to move on too!

The thing is, I want to live by myself with appropriate support as required. I don't want to move into a shared home. 

How do I find a home where I can live by myself?

READY TO FLY THE COOP

------------------------

Oh pet, well that's an easy question. 

Housing providers totally understand that while some people want to share a home, others want to live totally by themselves. That makes perfect sense darl.

The beauty of Nest, sweetpea, is that there are plenty of both options available for you. There are many shared living options and lots of apartments which would allow you to live all on your sweet independent lonesome. 

All you need to do is select that you want to live alone (that is a non shared living option) when you register on Nest and create your profile.

You'll then be matched to properties that offer non shared living options. Part of Nest 3.0 will also mean that you can tick a box to say you might be keen to have a developer build a new home specifically for you!

How cool is that my little possum??

Toodle oo until next time.

Nana

Got a question for Nana Nest? Email her at: info@gonest.com.au

Keen to advertise to a targeted audience? You can advertise in our next EDM and will soon be able to advertise on the Nest site. Contact Madeleine today at: madeleine@northcottinnovation.com.au or (02) 9890 0554 to chat about our introductory advertising options.