EACH Housing builds six-unit apartment in Ringwood to help people with disabilities

AN UNPRECEDENTED project in the outer east will give people with severe disabilities the freedom to live independently.

Resident Caz with Each Housing chief executive Peter Ruzyla. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

AN UNPRECEDENTED project in Maroondah will give people with profound and severe disabilities a rare chance to live independently.

A six-unit development opened in Ringwood on Tuesday to house young people with disabilities, otherwise forced to live in aged care or with their parents.

EACH Housing chief executive Peter Ruzyla said basic human rights were often lacking in shared accommodation, but this would provide residents with their own self-contained home.

The units in Greenwood Ave will have adjustable benches, specialised furniture and equipment, and electronic devices to help people operate things with the blink of an eye or movement of their hand.

There are shared areas for socialisation and a carer will also live on site to cater for the six residents, who live with Parkinsons, MS, stroke and acquired conditions including spina bifida.

Mr Ruzyla said the most common issue for those with a disability was the need for autonomy and independence.

“People with significant disabilities have to fit in with the available accommodation as well as existing support arrangements, but this new development places residents in control of their physical living environment and decisions regarding their day-to-day supports,” he said.

Statistics show there are 6500 young people with disabilities living inappropriately in aged-care facilities across Australia and more than 80,000 ageing parents struggling to care for their loved ones.

Resident Caz, in her 30s, said she was one of many people living with a disability who just wanted to “get her life back”.

She has lived in a retirement village, independent living facility and undergone respite care in shared supported accommodation, which she said had a “clinical and political approach”.

“Residents tend to lose a sense of voice and independence to a certain extent,” Caz said.

“In Victoria there are mainly 24-hour supported group homes, but not 24-hour independent living (so this complex will allow people) to live as they choose as valued members of society.”

The six-unit development was built on EACH’s existing land and was funded through a $2.5 million Federal Government grant. Tenant support needs will be co-ordinated by Independent Disability Services.

Further EACH Housing facilities will be built in South Gippsland and Pakenham.