Michael takes pride in looking after his home.
Since moving into his own apartment in Brunswick, Victoria, he has been enjoying the everyday things that come with having a place of his own: keeping it clean, doing his laundry, heading out for walks, shopping and coffee in the neighbourhood. Michael’s apartment is one of HCA’s Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes and is designed to provide accessible accommodation for NDIS participants to enable people to live as independently as possible while accessing supports as required.
“I like keeping my house nice and clean and enjoy the independence of being able to clean my house,” Michael says. “I’m looking forward to learning about cooking in the future.”
Michael is deafblind and communicates using tactile Auslan and Braille. Having a home that is safe, easy to move around and set up around his needs makes a real difference to everyday life.
Before moving, Michael had lived with his sister Susan and her family for many years. As they began thinking about the future, they wanted a place where Michael could have more independence while staying close to family and the community he knows.
“We were over the moon to find this apartment,” Susan says. “It met everything we wanted for Michael and his transition into independent living.”
Before Michael moved in, an occupational therapy assessment identified changes that would make the apartment safer and easier for him to use.
For example, tactile indicators went in near steps in shared areas. The apartment has a simple, open layout, which Susan says makes it easier for Michael to find his way around.
Small details throughout the home support Michael’s daily routine. Braille markers help him identify appliances and cupboards, and familiar furniture kept in consistent places helps him move around with confidence.
Michael says he feels “very safe” at home. He is already doing more for himself, enjoying his own space and being independent in managing household tasks.
There is still plenty Michael wants to learn. He hopes to become more confident using the washing machine and other appliances and, one day, to do more cooking for himself.
Susan has noticed the difference. Michael proudly texts her when he has mopped the floors or finished jobs around the apartment. Watching him build those everyday routines is part of watching him make the home his own.
“Peace of mind. That’s the main thing,” Susan says. “I know that he’s being well supported, he’s happy. I couldn’t ask for more.”
