New housing opens doors for young people with disabilities
15 February 2011
Young adults with disabilities have moved into a new, purpose-built home named ‘Karroong’ in Belmont which was officially opened by Karingal in December.
The new house in Amundsen Street provides accommodation for five people, who have either been living in, or were at risk of entering, residential aged care.
The focus of their new home is on age-appropriate values and surroundings.
The new supported accommodation also includes a respite service that will enhance the lives of many young people and their families.
‘Karroong’, which is the Wathaurong word for ‘house’, is run by Karingal.
The organisation also provided around $415,000 in funding to the project.
The State and Federal governments provided a total of $1.1 million as part of the ‘My future my choice’ initiative.
Karingal Community Living General Manager Robyn Bradshaw said all the residents were settling in well.
“This house has been designed to maximise the residents’ opportunities and independence, while providing 24-hour support,” she said.
“It is fitted with assistive technologies, such as automatic doors, to allow the residents greater control over their environment.”
In addition, Karingal has also built two units and restored a two bedroom house, which sit alongside the ‘My future my choice’ home.
These now provide housing for a further five people who require fully accessible accommodation.
Karingal contributed a further $1.3 million in funding to create these much needed housing options for people with disabilities.