Disability options
Communities offers a range of housing options to help people with disability access appropriate and affordable housing. This includes people with intellectual, physical, cognitive, neurological, sensory or psychiatric impairment(s).
To be eligible, your disability must be permanent or likely to be permanent and impact your housing requirements (i.e. building design, proximity to services and/or support needs). You must also meet the Public Housing income limits for people with a disability.
People with a disability have several housing options. These include:
- mainstream rental housing
- home modifications to make housing more accessible
- purpose-built rental accommodation
- home loans to purchase, build or modify private homes
- community housing, where non-profit organisations manage the accommodation for clients with disability Community Disability Housing Program (CDHP)
- bond assistance.
For more information please refer to the Housing options for people with disability or visit your nearest Communities Housing office.
Home modifications
Show moreTenants with a disability can apply for home modifications through their Communities Housing office to improve access around their home. Communities where possible, will provide appropriate housing to meet your disability needs. This may include modifying an existing public rental property to improve access e.g., installing ramps, grab rails and/or bathroom renovations.
Applicants with a disability will need to provide an occupational therapist assessment report. If you do not have an occupational therapist, Communities can arrange for one to visit you and assess your housing needs.
In some instances, it may not be possible or practical to modify your existing home to meet your needs. If this occurs, Communities will look at other options such as a transfer application to a more accessible or appropriately located property, or if necessary, build a purpose-built home to meet your disability needs as specified below.
Purpose-built homes
Show morePurpose-built accommodation is primarily constructed for those with physical disabilities. These are referred to as mobility homes. Communities also purpose build for people with other types of disability. Communities may build group homes or cluster unit developments to meet a person's disability and social needs.
Purpose-built mobility homes are provided to those clients for whom Communities is unable to accommodate in existing stock with or without modifications.
Some of the design features include level thresholds, wider doorways and passages to allow for wheelchair access, low kitchen bench-tops, large rocker switches and power points set at appropriate heights, and accessible bathroom design.
If you wish to discuss what type of housing would best suit your needs, please contact your nearest Communities Housing office.
Access Home Loan Scheme
The Access Home Loan Scheme is designed to help people with a disability buy their own home or modify an existing private home to cater for their needs. For more information visit the Keystart website.
