Growing NDIS participant numbers mean alternative housing could solve Specialist Disability Accommodation concerns

Key points:

• Portable homes are becoming increasingly popular and could provide a new option for Australians seeking Specialist Disability Accommodation 
• Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VanHomes Vito Russo says customers ‘can’t believe that they can install an instant SDA NDIS-funded home in their backyard for a reasonable amount of money’
• Smaller SDA homes could mean that some SDA recipients can live more independently

One Australian company has created an affordable and NDIS-approved portable solution that may provide much-needed relief for Australians looking for suitable Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Portable container homes are flat-packed buildings that are becoming more popular for accommodation as they can be delivered to properties around Australia to serve as affordable living spaces. 

Recently, one portable home company has made a difference to people with disability seeking suitable accommodation as it now has SDA compliance for one of its van home models. Not only does this provide a place to live with independence, but the portability aspect means that people with disability could live near family on their property.

Eligible Australians with disability can access NDIS funding for SDA, which enables them to live in accommodation that can support complex or high needs. This may involve high levels of one-on-one support. 

Housing that the NDIS approves as being appropriate for SDA must meet certain criteria including improving liveability, having robust construction, being fully accessible and providing high physical support as per information on the NDIS website. 

Additionally, all SDAs must comply with the Australian National Construction Code.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VanHomes Vito Russo highlighted the positive impact that VanHomes is making for people searching for SDA accommodation.

“We are proud to introduce our SDA-compliant model of our van homes. This reflects our commitment to inclusivity and innovation,” he said.

“Our goal is to offer practical and affordable housing solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Australians, including people living with disability, ensuring everyone can have access to safe and comfortable living spaces.”

These van homes ‘can be easily added as a second dwelling without the need for council building approvals’ on most properties as they can be registered as a caravan, according to information on the VanHomes website.

La Trobe University released a study in which researchers found the existing supply of SDA [in 2018] needs to grow by 60 percent to house the 28,000 people the NDIS expects to fund.’

Additionally, most participants in the study reported that they would ‘want to live on their own or with friends in a share-house arrangement’ — a reality that is not common in SDA arrangements as recipients usually lives in shared accommodations based on care needs.

The entrance of the van homes can be made wheelchair accessible by adding a ramp to the front porch. [Source: VanHomes; supplied]

 

Mr Russo emphasised how VanHomes provide accessible housing for people with disability with a variety of features.

“[…] With the extreme shortage [of] suitable accommodation, people are turning to instant homes. We have created a specific range for disability accommodation [and] these have been designed to meet the needs of people living with disability,” Russo said.

“They include wider corridors, internal and external grab rails and external, handheld showers or hob-less showers, specially designed kitchens, lever-handled taps and door handles, doors suitable for wheelchairs, access ramps, wheelchair accessible paths and large rocker switches.

“[…] Relocatable VanHomes comprise studios through to three-bedroom mobile mansions. They range in price from $70,000 [and] up to $165,000, so they are incredibly affordable.”

Approximately 661,270 Australians are registered NDIS participants according to the latest data from the NDIS website. 

Bathrooms and kitchens in these VanHomes are accessible for people with disability and are open-plan, making it easier to navigate. [Source: VanHomes; supplied]

 

Mr Russo indicated how VanHomes is changing the lives of people with disability who face challenges in sourcing SDA.

“Demand for our NDIS SDA-compliant VanHomes is soaring. People are contacting us in incredible distress. They have loved ones who have been waiting for suitable NDIS specialist disability accommodation for a long time,” he said.

“When they speak to us, they can’t believe that they can install an instant SDA NDIS-funded home in their backyard for a reasonable amount of money.”

If having an expandable home is not for you, Australians looking to find SDA can use the NDIS SDA Finder tool and filter search results by factors including vacancy status, state and territory, SDA-design category and number of rooms.

Approximately 5.5 million Australians live with disability, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

 

How is your search going to find SDA?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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