the power of co-design
Following comprehensive assessment of Housing Choices’ oldest specialist disability group homes, some date back to the late 1980’s, the Singletons Renewal Project is an ambitious and aspirational program to reimagine a new future for residents living with intellectual disability. Under the guidance of skilled architects, Victorian residents, with support from carers and guardians and supported independent living providers, embarked on a project to co-design their ideal new home.
The opportunity to hear from our residents in Specialist Disability Accommodation group homes about what they do and don’t like about both the practical and personal aspects of shared living has proved to be a gamechanger for Housing Choices and residents. Some homes will be rebuilt on the same site or in a nearby location, while others will be completely renovated to be fit for purpose. Some residents have happily lived in these homes for more than 20 years, but over time the evolving needs for resident accessibility and high physical support design and levels of care provided by supported independent living providers have changed. Four residents at Azalea Street in Mill Park, Victoria have enjoyed living together for many years.
Helen, Tony, Rodney and Ned all laugh and joke around the kitchen table where they all gather for “family” meals. Tony and Rodney grew up together and have lived in the house since 1991. Helen, who has Greek heritage is keen to feature her favourite colour blue, have a view to the garden and an ensuite bathroom. While Tony loves chooks and musical icon Elvis. His wish list is a new chook run for his feathered friends Gladys and Priscilla. “I like the garden and I’d like a shed and room to grow more vegetables, it should be flat at the front and the back, with no steps.” For Tigers fan Ned, a space to work on computers, having a bigger bedroom, with room for his “fan merch” a TV and a desk are priorities.
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Housing choices australia
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