Team effort makes vision a reality

At the end of May 2020, a long-held vision will be realised when 11 people with disability move into specially designed apartments within a wider community of 71 residential apartments.

After consultation with participants, accommodation provider Ability SDA is proud to announce Achieve Australia has been appointed as the onsite overnight Supported Independent Living (SIL) service provider.

The project – Ability Apartments Villawood – is the second collaboration between Ability SDA and Achieve. For Ability SDA co-directors Paul and Angie Simmons, the choice of service provider was an easy one.

“We worked with Achieve on our first project in Guildford. They were so professional and went above and beyond to provide quality care. Their team is awesome which helped make the transition to independent living a smooth one for the residents,” said Angie.

The new residents in Villawood all have high physical support needs and can live independently thanks to Achieve’s overnight support team who will operate from another apartment onsite.

For many of the residents the move couldn’t come at a better time, with some previously living for long periods in hospitals simply because there was no other accessible accommodation available.

“I’m excited that five people are moving in from hospitals. It’s so good to be able to help them and see them become part of a vibrant community,” added Paul.

“We are delighted to once again partner with Ability SDA to offer independent living services and supports for people with disability at Villawood,” said CEO at Achieve Australia, Jo-Anne Hewitt. “It is wonderful to see more and more opportunities becoming available for the people we support to access contemporary, fully accessible accommodation that is designed with inclusive communities in mind.”

The location of the apartments is ideal – close to supermarkets, shops, restaurants, parks and public transport.

“There’s even a medical centre, bakery and pizzeria downstairs,” added Angie.

The sunny north and east facing apartments offer a great district outlook and birds-eye view of the activity below. Decked out with the latest in Assistive Technology and accessibility features, the apartments are set to become an industry leading project in the disability sector.

Paul is keen to invite people to check their own eligibility for this type of accommodation. “Many people think this is out of their reach, but for eligible residents, it is truly affordable.”