Empowering Independence: How SDA Housing and Community Support Transformed James’ Life and Well-Being

James*, a Queenslander in his fifties with significant visual impairment, was living in a private rental that was unsuitable for his needs. He was unable to be active in his local community and was living with his support worker and their family. His support worker was managing his NDIS funding and making all decisions on his behalf, leaving James unsure and concerned about how and where his funding was spent.

When James enquired with Vera Living on social media, his mental health had been significantly impacted by his living situation and lack of connection to his local community. He had lost trust in his support worker and others around him and lacked any sense of hope for the future.

After contacting Vera Living, a Participant Engagement Specialist helped James find Specialist Disability Accommodation near the Gold Coast, fully equipped with extensive assistive technology. James was blown away by the level of support and decided to move in straight away. The Tenant Experience team guided James through the transition process, providing him with one-on-one training for his assistive technology. He was also given access to the Vera Living Community App, which allows James to submit maintenance and tenancy requests directly to his dedicated Tenant Support Specialist.

Since moving into his new SDA home, James’s mental health has improved remarkably, and he feels a newfound sense of independence and control. He’s able to use voice control on his personal iPad to navigate his home and access information, previously relying on his support worker who would use his phone for him.

James has now regained his independence and control, and is making the most of regular community activities, new friendships with his housemates, and personalised supports. His SDA home has transformed both his mental health and quality of life.

 *Name changed to protect identity