Spotlight on: Specialist Disability Accommodation Our Tarleton Street East Devonport development was completed last year, with the support of the disability services provider Possability. The 15-unit development has a purpose- built community centre and five Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings. What is Specialist Disability Accommodation? Specialist Disability Accommodation (or SDA for short) is housing designed and built with the support needs of NDIS participants in mind. This might mean that they’re set up for people with high physical support needs, or people who need a more robust living environment. In some SDA dwellings, there’s space for support workers to stay overnight. Eligibility for SDA dwellings is decided by the NDIS, based on whether the participant needs a specialised home and high levels of living support. SDA dwellings can be suitable for a large range of people including: • participants transitioning from rehabilitation facilities, • participants who already have SDA funding and want to live with less people • participants with a supported independent living plan, or • younger participants looking to move away from residential aged care facilities. Living in a well-designed home that meets the support needs of an individual can be life changing. It can open the door to more independent living and increase community connection and access to support services.
Above: Maureen with her 1980 Paralympic uniform and commemorative medallion.
A medallion for Maureen
East Devonport resident Maureen recently visited Melbourne to receive a medallion to mark her participation in the 1980 Paralympics. Maureen learnt to swim as a child and was introduced to competitive swimming by one of her rehabilitation providers when she was 25 years old. She excelled. Three years later, Maureen was selected to represent Australia at the 1980 Arnhem Paralympics, along with 55 other swimmers. She competed in four events and made two finals. Despite not bringing home a medal, she had a great time. “I just loved being there amongst everyone and all the different nationalities. And competing. It was a big experience,” Maureen said. Her only regret is not starting sooner... “I only wish I had been a little bit younger, then I might have succeeded in winning a medal.” Congratulations Maureen!
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