Youngcare will complete construction on its two new three-bedroom Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes at Jordan Springs, Penrith this April.
The Jordan Springs homes — which six young people with high physical support needs will call home— are Youngcare’s first SDA in New South Wales and were made possible thanks to the ongoing generosity of the organisation’s donors and supporters.
In early March, prior to completion of the homes, four prospective residents will visit to participate in Youngcare’s ‘My New Room’ initiative. Builders will install a wheelchair ramp on the construction site to create suitable access for the potential housemates to test paint options and choose a feature wall colour for their bedrooms, with assistance from family and support workers.
Youngcare CEO Greg Johnson said the ‘My New Room’ initiative reflects the not-for-profit’s mission to provide young Australians with high physical support needs with more choice and control over their living situation by including them in the design stage of their new SDA home, which is never usually an option.
“Young people with disabilities are often left behind living in places that simply aren’t appropriate for their age or care needs, such as aged care, hospital or rehabilitation facilities,” Greg said.
“Youngcare is focused on creating change for these young people and their families, and one way we do that is by delivering beautiful SDA homes that exceed the minimum requirements for accessible housing by elevating design and technology aspects while making them age-appropriate by maximising location and lifestyle.
“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘My New Room’ initiative, which is a new and exciting opportunity we hope to implement and expand on in all of our future builds, as we passionately advocate for young people with high physical support needs to have more choice and control over their own living arrangements,” Greg said.
“These aspirational SDA homes are Youngcare’s first foray into New South Wales, but certainly not our last, and we look forward to expanding our portfolio across Australia in the coming years.”
Youngcare Head of Housing and Development Tim Lambert said the not-for-profit is already looking for future opportunities in and around Penrith and its surrounding suburbs.
“Like many different areas of rapid development in suburbs across Australia, there is a need for homes to be built within local communities, and we are excited to provide residents with unrivalled choice and independence,” Tim said.
With an ever-expanding portfolio of SDA, the organisation’s focus is now shifting to include fighting for Australia to become more inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities.
“While we have always been on a mission to get young people into our homes, this year Youngcare will be working even harder to get them out and about. It is so important that people of all abilities can get out into their community without struggling to access transport or get into venues,” Greg said.
“We want accessibility to become the new normal, so we’re passionately advocating for change.”
Youngcare’s Jordan Springs SDA homes that cater to high physical support are still currently accepting expressions of interest, so if you or someone you know would love to move in and are eligible for appropriate NDIS funding, please visit the Youngcare website or call Youngcare Connect on 1800 844 727.
