Accommodation Edited on 19 August 2007

For many young people in Victoria with major disabilities, housing and support options in their local area are either unavailable or inappropriate.

Concern from parents about this issue led us to set up the Grampians Disability Accommodation Network (GDAN).

The parents were familiar with the existing structure of residential group homes (shared supported accommodation). However, they remain unconvinced that this type of accommodation would adequately cater for their son's or daughter's individual needs and desires. That's if their son/daughter was able to secure a place at all. In June 2006, there were 2364 individuals registered for shared supported accommodation.

The parents were also aware that there are changes occurring within Victoria around the type and nature of service provision, but had little knowledge what these changes meant for their child's future living arrangements and lifestyle.

The Grampians Disability Accommodation Network project was set up not only to inform parents and strengthen their understanding of the possibilities for their sons and daughters, but also to strengthen the capacity of the parents, and empower them to take an active part in the process.

The project report, "The Challenges of Change and Choice", was written and released by project worker Jo Richie in May 2007, sponsored by Wimmera Uniting Care and the Helen and Geoff Handbury Fellowship Trust.

For a copy of the report, contact us.