Young people celebrate a brighter future

Today, the Hon. Stuart Robert MP will open Ability SDA’s first apartment project built especially for young people with disabilities.

The atmosphere is one of celebration as several of the residents recall what life was like before moving in to the innovative building.

One of the fourteen residents, Peter, became a quadriplegic after a workplace accident two years ago at the age of 38. At the time, his complex physical needs meant the only option for him was to move to a care facility, but his children found it too confronting and rarely visited.

“Moving in to my own apartment with a garden and three bedrooms means my kids can stay overnight. They love it here, and I have my family back,” he said.

Five other residents moved in from nursing homes, where they had limited opportunity for social and leisure activities and little to no interaction with the community.

The celebration is being held onsite on the completely accessible rooftop terrace which was built into the project to encourage social interaction.

Director of Ability SDA Paul Simmons said “Our goal was to build something that would allow young people with disabilities to live independently and at the same time be part of the community”.

Each resident has their own large, sunny apartment, fitted out with state-of-the-art Assistive Technology and features such as wide doorways, bed hoists and adjustable benchtops. An onsite care team provides 24 hour care, 7 days a week.

The innovative project was made possible due to funding for residents through the NDIS.

Accessibility consultant Justin Nix praised the apartments saying “They are amazing! There is nothing like this!”

One of the youngest residents, 23yr old Fathema, talked about how her new apartment has given her hope for the future.

“Sometimes I pinch myself because I used to sit in a room and think ‘I can’t do anything’. I have so much more possibility now.”

Living in an SDA apartment is an increasing possibility for people with disabilities as Ability SDA has embarked on three more SDA projects at Villawood in Western Sydney, Gosford on the Central Coast and Townsville in Queensland.