Principle Based Supported Accommodation Framework

Better housing opportunities for people with disability

 The ACT Government is seeking community input on three innovative initiatives that will assist people with disability in making decisions about their future accommodation options.

 "Like all Canberrans, people with disability need affordable, appropriate and secure housing. Some will have additional housing needs as a result of their disability," Ms Burch said. 

 "These initiatives will help them, their families and carers discuss and plan for their long-term accommodation needs and get information and support to address legal and financial issues, coordinate services and develop informal support networks.

 "The ACT Government wants to give people with disability the information which allows them to imagine, ask for and create housing and support which enable them to live a good life - and we want to hear what they think about these initiatives."

 The Innovative Housing Unit is a first for the ACT and has been created to support people with disability to fulfil their ideas for innovative housing and supported living opportunities. It is intended to benefit all people with disability in the ACT, including participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which will be rolled out in the ACT from July 2014.

 The Accommodation Futures Planning Sessions will be held at north and south locations across the ACT and will feature key speakers with lived experience, financial, legal and social support backgrounds to empower people to design their own accommodation options.

 The Accommodation Portal will be a one-stop website with links to both supported and independent living options, including vacancies in shared accommodation, private rental and adapted houses, and a place for people seeking compatible housemates.

 The initiatives are part of Principle Based Supported Accommodation Framework which guides how the ACT Government will work in collaboration with people with disability, their families, guardians and service providers on accommodation options.

 Most participants in the NDIS will continue to access housing through the private market, rental or home ownership and through social housing opportunities.  While the scheme will not directly fund housing, it will give participants more flexibility to design and receive supports to live independently.

 Consultation closes 30 April 2014.To provide feedback visit http://www.timetotalk.act.gov.au/