Page 3219 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 17 September 2013
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alternative ways of thinking about what is possible in their lives will ensure participants and providers can operate effectively under DisabilityCare.
That, along with under-utilisation, is why the government is transitioning the management of its centre-based respite services to non-government providers. Further, we will be taking the opportunity to introduce a host family respite model, home2home, that will provide flexibility for families. These changes will allow for greater flexibility in the provision of respite support in an out-of-home environment.
The ACT is well positioned in the lead-up to DisabilityCare with a number of successful innovative disability housing models. The intentional community, which was officially opened in May this year, is the first of its kind in Australia. The intentional community comprises 25 homes, three of which are allocated to three young Canberra men with a disability. This gives the young men the opportunity to live independently with the informal support of an inclusive, diverse community where residents believe in the importance of being good neighbours.
Work is also progressing on project independence, a housing development for up to 10 residents with a mild disability to live in one of three interconnected properties in Harrison. The ACT government is providing both capital and land for this initiative. The new model of home ownership was developed by local businessman Glenn Keys and will enable residents to have equity in their own home.
Under DisabilityCare it will be increasingly important for people with disability to have access to a wide range of tenures and supported accommodation. Work needs to be done to facilitate the growth of these products, including affordable housing options, private rental and home ownership.
The ACT is leading national work with other state and territory housing officials to develop innovative, affordable housing for people with disability. This will give the ACT the opportunity to showcase our achievements on the national stage as we roll out our DisabilityCare launch site next year.
In the last month officers from my directorate have inspected cutting-edge use of assistive technologies in smart housing in other jurisdictions, the Summer Foundation and TAC in Melbourne and the Boulevard Apartments and Jackson Technologies in Adelaide.
Madam Speaker, smart housing is about using IT applications to make it easier for people with a disability to live more independent lives. People with disabilities use computers, tablets or iPhones to control the environment they live in—for example, climate control and opening of windows and doors. It also allows support agencies to monitor what is happening without necessarily having someone on site at all times. The aim is to create an environment where the person has a greater level of control and independence over their life.
With ACT government funding, Housing ACT will undertake design work for disability housing and for older public housing tenants. The potential to incorporate smart housing support will be part of the design brief for these properties.
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