The Ultimate Guide to Disability Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast
Creating an environment that fosters inclusivity and promotes independence lies at the heart of Lavender Co providing adequate disability accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.
The focus of disability housing extends beyond simply building a respectful space. It values equal opportunity by empowering individuals to cultivate practical skills and build personal connections.
Developing disability housing that inspires positive experiences for your loved ones can be a challenging task, and that’s why we are here to help.
In this blog, we will explore the evolution of disability support, the importance of disability accommodation, the key components in providing disability care to a high level, as well as the various types of disability accommodation on the Sunshine Coast with Lavender Co.
To conclude, we will provide a brief guide on NDIS eligibility requirements and how to request disability accommodation.
What is Suitable Disability Accommodation, Really?
Disability accommodation refers to the adjustments, modifications, or support provided to individuals with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to opportunities, services and facilities.
It involves removing barriers and creating an inclusive environment that allows individuals with disabilities to participate fully and effectively in various aspects of life, including education, employment, day-to-day and social activities.
Disability accommodation can take many forms, depending on the individual's needs. It may include physical modifications such as wheelchair ramps or adaptive equipment, but can also involve providing assistance in the form of a carer that facilitates effective interaction and execution of tasks.
Accommodating a disability requires a shift in mindset and recognition that everyone deserves an inclusive and accessible environment.
It involves fostering an understanding and accepting attitude towards individuals with disabilities, implementing strategies and policies that promote respectful communication, removing social barriers and creating a sense of belonging.
Sadly, there’s limited options in the housing market to accommodate those living with a disability, and this can cause stress for the individual, and their family who may struggle to meet their loved one’s needs fully.
Reasonable accommodation vs reasonable modification
While the aim of disability support is to promote independence, the process and approach to attain this depends on each individual. Whether your loved one requires reasonable accommodation or modification, or both, depends on their unique needs.
Reasonable accommodation refers to changes or adjustments made to policies, practices or procedures that enable individuals with disabilities to have equal access to opportunities.
It involves removing barriers and making changes that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service.
The application and scope of reasonable accommodation is centred around ensuring equal participation and eliminating discrimination based on disability.
At Lavender Co, we offer reasonable accommodation in the form of providing our guests with carers that assist them with general tasks, medical appointments, personal care and skill-building support. By offering this support, it maximises our guests accessibility to services, and creates a greater sense of independence and inclusion in the community.
On the other hand, reasonable modification refers to physical alterations or changes made to the environment, enabling individuals to access and navigate spaces.
Reasonable modification primarily addresses the physical barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from fully utilising facilities or participating in activities.
Lavender Co offers a variety of disability housing options on the Sunshine Coast, each modified or custom-designed to satisfy some of the needs required for those living with a disability, allowing our guests to choose a house that is the perfect fit for them!
Understanding the difference between reasonable accommodation and modification is crucial in providing comprehensive and appropriate support for individuals with disabilities.
Our implementation of both approaches at Lavender Co fosters an inclusive society that creates a comfortable and respectful environment for our guests and nurtures their independence and wellbeing.
How Disability Support on the Sunshine Coast Has Changed
Throughout the past few decades, the way in which disability support is provided, as well as the language around and attitude towards individuals with disabilities, has changed.
In the early years, disability services on the Sunshine Coast were limited, and the focus was primarily on institutional care, placing individuals in large, centralised facilities that lacked personalised support and opportunities for community integration.
As a result of the rise of the concept of deinstitutionalisation, as well as the implementation of national legislative changes such as the Disability Discrimination Act in 1992, there was a greater focus on the rights of individuals with disabilities and on the provision of inclusive services and accommodations.
The expansion of support services and shift towards placing more emphasis on equal opportunity is an ongoing process that involves continuous improvement.
Our vision at Lavender Co is to change the face of disability care and utilise disability support as a means through which individuals can lead independent lives, rather than use it as a tool to separate and exclude individuals with disabilities.
To us, disability accommodation involves helping guests live their best lives by providing specialist support, purpose-designed short and long-term accommodation, and practical skills development, allowing guests to have a positive experience.
Our luxe boutique accommodation and our highly experienced team of support workers creates a space that truly feels like a home. It is our goal to encourage this shift away from the negative stigma that once surrounded disabilities and to continue raising the bar for disability support on the Sunshine Coast by advocating the importance of equal opportunity.
Finding the Right Disability Support Service on the Sunshine Coast
There are a range of disability care services available on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you are looking for high-quality accommodation, personal care assistance or community access programs, at Lavender Co, we have focused on developing and delivering leading options in each.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
As an NDIS-approved provider for Supported Independent Living(SIL) on the Sunshine Coast, our aim is to assist our guests in their daily living while empowering them to develop new skills.
SIL, as defined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), involves providing supervision and support to individuals to help them live as independently as possible.
Our guests have 24/7 access to one-to-one support from our experienced care team, fostering community participation and skill-building. We prioritise social and personal connections, creating a friendly and welcoming community for all our guests. Being highly-experienced, our dedicated care team caters to a wide spectrum of disabilities, ensuring all our guests’ needs are met.
SIL provides supervision and assistance with general tasks, assistance with medical appointments, support with personal care, availability of chef-prepared meals, and capacity-building support, including cooking, cleaning, group activities, and more.
If you’re seeking disability care on the Sunshine Coast that promotes independence and a sense of belonging, we are here to provide the support you need.
Short Term Accommodation (STA)
At Lavender Co, we also offer Short Term Accommodation (STA), which once approved as part of your NDIS plan, allows you to enjoy up to 14 days of accommodation at a time, for a total of 28 days per year.
Our highly trained support team is available 24/7 throughout your stay, ensuring you are treated with respect and dignity at all times.
The importance of disability accommodation lies in understanding that each individual is unique, which is why we provide tailored support that is personalised to your specific needs and abilities.
We aim to match you with both care team members and an accommodation that meets your needs, while also pairing you with like-minded guests in your shared accommodation settings.
Similar to SIL, STA allows you to build on your life skills where possible and expand social connections in a supportive environment. This is the perfect disability housing solution on the Sunshine Coast if you are after an enjoyable stay with integrity-driven care, delicious meals and personalised support and activities.
Day Support Programs
Our Disability Day Program prioritises fun and adventure, providing opportunities for social and community participation.
Throughout the day, our dedicated staff offer personalised support, ensuring that our guests feel at ease and receive the assistance they require.
Disability care on the Sunshine Coast means that individuals have access to some of the most beautiful beaches and bush walks, scenic parks, and are within close proximity to incredible attractions and activities, plus high quality amenities.
These supported activities foster the chance to meet new people, create personal connections and acquire essential life skills.
Our Day Program allows guardians and families to attend to work, run errands or simply enjoy a day to themselves, with the confidence that their loved one is well cared for and safe.
These 3 disability care options at Lavender Co provide individuals with disabilities and their caregivers a range of options to choose from, allowing them to find the best fit for their lifestyle and needs.
How to Request Disability Accommodation Through NDIS
Understanding the process of requesting disability support can be a complex process, however it doesn’t have to be! As outlined by the NDIS, eligibility for an NDIS plan depends on a variety of factors, including whether:
Your disability is caused by an impairment
Your impairment is likely to be permanent
Your permanent impairment substantially reduces your functional capacity
Your permanent impairment affects your ability to work, study or take part in social life
You’ll likely need support under the NDIS for your whole life
Once you have supplied the evidence, supporting one of the above reasons for requesting NDIS support, the process to acquire the support you need is underway!
NDIS is an insurance-based scheme, aiming to work on long-term plans and solutions. Once you are an NDIS participant, they will work with you to create a plan that sets out your goals and ensures you are provided with support that will help you achieve your goals.
At Lavender Co, we are a registered NDIS provider, dedicated to offering supported community involvement, social interaction and inclusion, as well as luxe boutique disability accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.
Our team is here to guide you through the criteria specific to your chosen program, ensuring that NDIS social and community participation is covered in your plan. Chat with us today to discuss how you can access these valuable services and programs!
