Support key for people with a disability
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Minister for Community Services Christine Campbell at the launch of Living, Not Existing with Sue Whiting and Melinda Smith who participated in the report project. |
Support and housing programs are being made more flexible to help people with a disability maximise their independence, says Community Services Minister Christine Campbell.
Launching the Living Not Existing report—developed for the DisAbility Support and Housing Alliance and written by Cath McNamara—on disability options for community-based housing and support, Ms Campbell said well-intentioned but uniform assistance programs had diminished the quality of life of people with a disability in the past.
‘Refinements to the In Home Accommodation Support (IHAS) program and new HomeFirst program have removed a major barrier.
‘They will ensure people with a disability have access to tailored support rather than being expected to fit within rigid program boundaries.
‘People who have previously only had access to personal care through the IHAS program now have the opportunity to choose how they use their existing hours of support.’
Options include a combination of personal care, community access and new skills development.
Ms Campbell said consolidation of the IHAS and HomeFirst programs would facilitate access to community-based services, including those through local councils and community health services.
‘DisAbility Services and the Office of Housing are also working to improve flexibility and choice in accommodation options and to streamline funding for housing modifications.
‘The Living Not Existing report will help guide government in giving people with disability access to quality, responsive housing and support options closer to home.
‘Living Not Existing uses personal stories as a powerful account of barriers to providing housing and support to people who want to live independently.’
• For more information and copies of the report contact Cath McNamara at Action For Community Living on 9489 2999.