New Disability Housing to Give Participants Greater Independence

MEDIA RELEASE
28 June 2023

Eight new bespoke homes will be built across Perth’s southern corridor to meet growing demand for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Western Australia.

The properties, to be built in Carlisle, East Riverton, East Cannington and Hamilton Hill, will provide opportunities for people living with disability to reside in beautiful, customised homes that cater to their specific needs.

The architecturally designed, fully furnished homes will incorporate large corridors and living spaces to navigate with ease, step-free paths, adjustable kitchen benches and height accessible light switches and power points.

The projects are a collaboration between property developer WAI Group, architect/builder Fortitude Living and G Living, specialist disability accommodation provider Nesti Housing and supported independent living provider Nulsen Disability Services.

The East Riverton, Hamilton Hill, East Cannington and Carlisle developments will each offer two three-bedroom homes. At capacity, the homes will ultimately cater for 24 people.

Each participant will have their own bedroom and ensuite and access to a kitchen, generous living spaces and an outdoor area. There is also a separate bedroom, office space and bathroom for overnight support care professionals.

WAI Group Director Paul Stanley said the developments were the latest investment in a series of inclusive SDA homes led by WAI Group across the state.

“At WAI Group, we are committed to increasing stocks of SDA properties so people with disability can enjoy functional homes, and the same sense of community connectedness in their local neighbourhoods as everyone else,” Mr Stanley said.

“We are proud to be a leader in the sector, working closely with disability and supported independent living providers, families and future residents to offer top-quality, tailored homes that boost independence and social inclusion.”

Nesti Housing Executive Manager James Allbeury said Nesti was driven to creating sustainable housing solutions for the WA community to ensure individuals with disability not only had an appropriate place to call home, but also a place to thrive.

“SDA housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it’s a gateway to independence, empowerment, and inclusion,” Mr Allbeury said.

“At Nesti we believe that SDA housing is testament to our belief in the inherent value of every person – reaffirming that everyone deserves a safe, accessible, and inclusive home.”

Nulsen Disability Services Chief Executive Officer Caroline Watt said Nulsen was proud to offer supported independent living in spacious SDA homes that offer privacy, dignity and thoughtful accessibility.

“SDA accommodation allows for increased independence, safety, comfort and environmental control. This is a new benchmark in the standard of disability housing, modern living and a comfortable and independent life,” Ms Watt said.

“Nulsen has a near 70-year history as a leading provider of disability services. Our collaboration with WAI Group, Fortitude Living and Nesti Housing is a wonderful opportunity to provide a modern and beautiful environment that people with disability feel proud of and consider a forever home.”

Fortitude Living and G Living architect-builder Gianpaolo Crugnale said a well-considered design was critical for SDA properties to meet the requirements of tenants, while ensuring the functionality of the home is balanced with good design principles.

“The needs of future residents have been central to the planning of these homes, with designs that blend practical ideas and comfortable living,” Mr Crugnale said.

The East Riverton and Carlisle developments are due for completion in February 2024, while the Hamilton Hill homes will be finished in June 2024. In January 2025, the East Cannington properties are expected to be completed.