FOUR blokes with disabilities have made themselves at home in supported living units at Towns Avenue, Logan Village, completed in a partnership between the Queensland government and disabilities service provider The House with No Steps.
The four – Clay Lofts, Carlos Mills, Daniel Esparon and Terrence Austin – have all moved out from residences that felt like hospitals and into brand new units, designed to cater to their needs and where they can get help, when required, from support staff.
Mr Esparon made it clear he enjoys having his own remote key to the front door and rooms which he has decorated with posters of the Holden race cars he loves.
“I’m a Ford man, so he’s been giving me grief,” said House With No Steps regional general manager John Jensen who made the introductions and led the tour.
Mr Esparon’s move has been made with help from support team member Liz Longbottom.
“There’s always something he wants. We make a lot of lists,” she laughed.
These included one Mr Esparon made specifically for Mr Jensen, who shared it with permission.
“Here’s a list of the songs Dan loves. Two pages. I’ll go home later and see what I can find to download for his ipod,” Mr Jensen said.
The first of the residents moved in three weeks ago. One unit remains vacant with a new resident soon to come.
Each man has his own small unit which features kitchenette, lounge room, bedroom and bathroom.
The four have moved from facilities all over Brisbane to Logan Village, a move which brings them closer to their families.
They include Clay Lofts, a smiley fellow. “He doesn’t say a lot, but one word he has been using over and over is the word home,” said House with No Steps customer manager Amber Hoy.
Queensland Disability Services minister Coralee O’Rourke opened the house today, Tuesday, August 14, The Queensland government which contributed $1.8 million to the project; The House with No Steps $400,000.
“This project will deliver five self-contained units for people with high physical support needs, as well as one unit for an on-site carer. The property will be registered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as a High Physical Support Specialist Disability Accommodation property,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“The complex includes a communal kitchen, dining and entertainment area.”
Mrs O’Rourke said the Queensland government was committed to increasing the stock of affordable and accessible housing for people with a disability.
“We know that the availability of appropriate accommodation is particularly important as the National Disability Insurance Scheme delivers more services and supports to Queenslanders with disability,” she said.
Logan MP Linus Power said the project was a great example of what could be achieved through partnerships between the government and not-for-profit service providers.
“We are very fortunate to be able to partner with leading disability services provider House with No Steps on the development, design and construction of this project," Mr Power said.
“House with No Steps has been supporting people with disability for more than 50 years and their expertise was critical to the successful completion of these units.”
Mr Jensen said the new Logan Village complex provided much-needed specialist disability housing options at Logan.
“The complex will make a real difference to the lives of these local people with a disability, their families and carers,” he said.
Find more information about disabilities and available supports and services here