New Accommodation for Younger People with Disabilities

The Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today opened a new $1.7 million supported accommodation facility at Chigwell for six younger people with disabilities.

Ms Thorp said the new Chigwell facility comprised a four-bedroom home and two one-bedroom, semi independent living units designed to accommodate younger people with disabilities who currently live in residential aged care facilities.

“The new facility will provide residents with an environment that enables them to be as independent as possible, while at the same time offering an immediate helping hand when and where they need it.”

Mr Shorten said the new accommodation incorporated a number of innovative accessible, independent living and environmental features.

“Tasmanian construction company Maverick Builders Pty Ltd has incorporated design features into the building that will provide a new opportunity and increased sense of independence for the residents.

“There is capacity to use remote sensor automatic doors, remote control operated windows, screens and televisions, and heating and air conditioning systems are all able to be operated from a distance.

“A minimum six-star energy rating has been achieved for the property.”

Ms Thorp and Mr Shorten also announced Anglicare Tasmania Inc as the appointed service provider at the new Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) facility.

She said tenders were called for a community sector organisation to provide the support and management of the accommodation, with Anglicare Tasmania selected as the successful provider.

“The facility will be owned by Housing Tasmania, with a community tenancy arrangement held with Anglicare Tasmania.”

She said the project had been highly collaborative, with architectural company Shane Mann & Associates working closely with the proposed residents and Disability, Child, Youth and Family Services to ensure the facility addressed the needs of its residents.

Ms Thorp said the six proposed residents would commence their transition from the aged care facilities into their new home in the coming weeks.

Mr Shorten said the YPIRAC program was jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.

“The program recognises that residential aged care is not the best accommodation for younger people with disabilities,” Mr Shorten said.

“The program and this new facility are about providing options that better fit the needs of younger people with disabilities and improve the quality and dignity of their lives.”