Geelong Home Transforms Life: NDIS Participant Finds New Independence in Specialist Disability Accommodation

A Place to Call Home, Designed for Life

For Tom, an NDIS participant in Geelong, his home is far more than just a place to live. It’s a foundation where he can build crucial life skills and participate in daily activities in ways that once seemed impossible.

Tom lives with complex physical needs, including low vision, an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a condition that causes his joints to dislocate easily. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has provided essential support for Tom to live in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) designed for high physical needs.

His mum, Bianca, describes the move as life-changing. “This house has given Tom things we never thought were possible,” she shared.

Opening Doors to Freedom

One of the most profound changes came with a simple act many take for granted: opening his own front door. Bianca explained that in previous homes, narrow doorways and difficult access made it impossible for Tom in his wheelchair.

Now, his SDA home features wider doorways, larger door handles, and a level entrance. Tom can easily navigate to the door, reach out, and open it himself.

“If someone comes over, Tom goes straight to the front door, opens it and greets them,” Bianca said, highlighting his newfound confidence. “He loves it. He’s so proud this is his house.”

Moving Freely, Every Day

This sense of control extends throughout the home. Wide hallways and doorways, along with the absence of steps, allow Tom to move independently in his manual wheelchair.

Thoughtful design choices, like black and white fixtures and larger light switches, help Tom see and use them more effectively. Sliding doors with bigger handles also give him the grip he needs to open them unassisted.

“For the first time ever, Tom can move through every part of his home without help,” Bianca noted. “In the past, he couldn’t get through doorways. Now he can go wherever he wants!”

Discovering New Abilities in the Kitchen

Another significant milestone occurred in the kitchen. Tom had never been able to stand up out of his wheelchair before. However, one day, with the kitchen bench set at the perfect height, he pushed himself up, leaned on the bench, and reached into a cupboard for a biscuit.

“It was incredible,” Bianca recalled. “I never thought that would ever happen. Now he does it all the time.” The open kitchen layout and lower windows also mean Tom can safely move around, see outside, and actively participate in daily life.

The home also features soundproofing, level courtyards for outdoor access, and an oversized garage that makes transferring him in and out of the car much safer and easier.

His bedroom is spacious, allowing easy wheelchair turns, and his bathroom is equipped with rails and a supportive layout tailored to his specific needs.

Beyond Physical Access: Building Skills and Choices

Tom’s independence isn’t just about physical access; it’s about empowerment through choice and communication.

Communicating What Matters

Tom uses a communication device with symbols he can tap to express his desires, whether it’s what he wants to do, eat, or drink. “He can tell me what he wants now,” Bianca shared. “That independence is just wonderful.”

He also uses a whiteboard to plan his week, choosing activities and communicating his preferences to his support workers.

Staying Active and Engaged

Tom enjoys a variety of activities, including listening to music, playing his keyboard, attending a gardening program, and spending time in his community. Due to his cerebral palsy, maintaining mobility is crucial.

He regularly attends physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to build and maintain his strength and prevent injuries. At home, he makes choices about his clothes, meals, and how he spends his time.

“That’s what our real focus has been on – making choices and communication,” Bianca emphasised. Tom has now lived in his specially designed home for almost three years.

Peace of Mind for Families

While the home has been transformative for Tom, Bianca says it has also been life-changing for her. “I have peace of mind knowing he’s safe, happy and living the life he wants,” she expressed.

“It’s also comforting to know the NDIS is supporting Tom to build his skills, so he can live a more inclusive and fulfilling life.”

What This Means for You: Looking Ahead

Tom’s story highlights the profound impact that well-designed Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) can have on the lives of NDIS participants and their families.

SDA is housing that has been specifically designed or modified to meet the unique needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It allows participants to receive their daily supports in a home that truly suits them, fostering independence and community inclusion.

For participants and families considering SDA, it’s important to understand your eligibility and discuss your specific housing goals with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. They can help you explore options and understand how SDA might fit into your NDIS plan.

For disability service providers and businesses involved in housing, Tom’s experience underscores the value of participant-centred design and the critical role you play in enabling greater independence and quality of life for NDIS participants.

Hazel Chen

I work in marketing and communications for NDISLocal, helping connect NDIS participants, families, and providers with clear, useful information about the sector. I'm passionate about making the NDIS easier to understand and navigate, and about giving disability service providers a platform to reach the people who need them. If you'd like to know more about anything covered in this post, or you're a provider interested in being featured, feel free to get in touch.