5 Important Things To Know DDA Apartments

Even though Australia has 4.4 million persons with disabilities, the availability of adequate, accessible housing remains a concern for many Australians with disabilities. The National Construction Code (NCC) has yet to implement specific housing standards since many people still erect inaccessible homes and apartments for the disabled. The problems include:

• Inadequately designed bathrooms and kitchens.
• Poor lighting.
• Poor accessibility tools.
• Dwellings in a relatively poor area where transport services and government amenities are not easily accessible.

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 (DDA) makes it illegal to discriminate against a person because of their disability in many sectors of public life, including renting or purchasing a dwelling or unit, education, obtaining or utilising services, work, and accessing public spaces. The law protects the disabled so that even in buying houses or renting apartments, service providers have specific standards to follow.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supplies a subsidy for assistance and services to those with permanent and substantial disabilities. On a fair and required basis, funding is provided directly to individuals. The NDIS has different programs that allow people with disabilities to have a proper living space equipped with everything needed for their daily routine. As human beings, it is the right of disabled people to live their lives not hindered by their disabilities. Therefore, the government should intervene in such situations to protect the disabled from discrimination.

Here are five essential things to know about DDA apartments and housing and how the NDIS is involved.

DDA Apartments should follow Design Standards under the SDA.

Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) is a type of housing for persons who have severe functional impairments or have very high demands. SDA often entails living in a shared home with a small group of other individuals. The SDA has a design standard that they follow. The Design Standards focus on providing a home setting that enhances the individual's capacity to live independently while including personal support elements into modern housing practice. Here are some recommendations for the housing under the classification of SDA:

• NDIS recommends building SDA residences on adequate parcels of land that enable an accessible dwelling with wheelchair accessible/usable outside spaces without ramps, elevators, or other similar devices.
• All private open space and the bulk of public open space (when available) should be handicap accessible.
• NDIS advises that you choose a location near public transportation. Users that rely on public transport will benefit from being close to it.
• NDIS advises installing video or intercom systems for the Fully accessible design category.
• The NDIS advises installing an automatic sprinkler system in households with two or more members.

If you are not qualified for SDA arrangements, ask NDIS for Home Modifications

Home modifications (HM) are adjustments to your home's construction, layout, or fittings that allow you to enter it securely and move about pleasantly. The NDIS may provide funding for home renovations to make a participant's house more accessible. NDIS, through NDIS plan management, can also help participants live independently by providing support such as personal care to aid with showering or dressing and assistance with food preparation and housekeeping. Home modifications may be covered in your NDIS plan if:

• You or your caregivers cannot adequately enter and use regularly used rooms and areas in your principal residence due to your handicap.
• An appropriately skilled Occupational Therapist conducted an examination and advised house changes, taking into account all available options, including the use of equipment.
• In its current state, your primary house has a considerable and negative influence on the sustainability of your present living and caring arrangements.

If you require short-term accommodation in a DDA apartment, ask NDIS for the fund. 

Short-term housing, including respite, is money for support and housing for a short period away from your regular home. It pays for your care in another location for up to 14 days at a time. For example, you might spend a brief time with other individuals or by yourself. NDIS finances it when your regular caregivers are unavailable or let you try new activities. If a few of the following conditions are met, the NDIS may fund Short-Term Accommodation:

• It aids in the preservation of functional capability.
• It allows you to participate in more activities.
• Your family or other informal supports may be able to help you for a more extended period.
• It enables you to gain more freedom.
• You may not require as much assistance in the future.

In that case, you can also ask NDIS for Medium Accommodation Funding. 

While you wait for a long-term housing option, medium-term housing provides you with a residence place. We will only fund it if you receive disability-related services and have a proven long-term housing solution. We typically sponsor medium-term housing for up to 90 days. If you meet the succeeding criteria, you may be qualified for Medium Term Accommodation:

• You cannot move into your lengthy housing solution because your disability-related services are not yet available. You might be expecting assistive technology or house improvements, for example.
• You have a long-term housing solution in place.
• You require a place to reside due to your disability assistance requirements.

NDIS can help you with their Individualised Living Options (ILO) program

Individualised living options (ILOs) are NDIS supports that allow you to live in the house of your choice and set up supports in the way that best fits you. An ILO is a set of supports that can help you live your life the way you want in the house you've selected. The funding for ILOs is divided into two components. The initial level is all about investigating and developing the support you want. It will assist you in determining where you would like to live, who you want to live with, what assistance you will require, and to whom you want to give that support. The second stage involves obtaining financing to put such supports in place. Again, the fund you receive is determined by how you want to live, wherever you live, and what you require.

Whatever dwelling options you need, NDIS can help you with that. Living life with a disability is made a bit easier with these options.