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Living with disability and finding an affordable, accessible home close to work, transport and essential services can be a daunting task. So, as the Federal Election edges closer, what needs to be addressed by the politicians and what indeed are they saying about housing provision for people living with disability?
A primary challenge for people who rely solely on the Disability Support Pension is the fact that they receive $525.65 per week to help with bills and incidentals, however the national median for rental properties is $630.
Under Australian tenancy laws and the Disability Discrimination Act, renters with disability have the right to request modifications to make their accommodations accessible. Landlords must also reasonably consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them, mainly if it improves independence.
The Disability Advocacy Network Australia supports organisations pushing for supported independent living. It’s CEO, El Gibbs, says there is no mandated right to home modifications in private rentals.
Even though tenancy rights aren't great, lots of people with disability don't even have those. We do need that kind of basic move in tenancy protections…If you are a person with disability who lives in specialist disability accommodation, you often don't even have basic tenancy rights.
El Gibbs
Special Disability Accommodation (SDA) seeks to provide appropriate accommodation and independence for people living, often with profound disabilities.
“Both major parties made very large announcements about buying homes and government support…there wasn't a cent in there for that really basic, affordable social and accessible housing for the poorest disabled people among our community.” Ms Gibbs claims.
Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services and the NDIS, has been in politics for 18 years and is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of everyday Australians.
She says choice in housing is important.
“We've already increased rent assistance significantly for those that may be on a pension or a payment,” she says.
The Minister went on to claim that the government is ensuring there are more descriptors when renters are searching for accessible accommodation features on one property website: realestate.com.au
That's something that was discussed and committed to in our focus on Australia's Disability Strategy
Amanda Rishworth
The website features accessibility filters such as wide doorways, step free entryways, grab rails and more.
When, however, I individually tested the filters on this website, for the Greater Canberra Region, none of the 132 furnished properties advertised were accessible. In fact, the only filter that produced a form of accessibility was that of an external lift, as 15 out of 132 offered such a facility.
The picture is not reassuring for those looking for a suitable home. In terms of the design and construction of homes that are adaptable and inclusive for people with disabilities, only 4% of Australia's housing stock meets the minimum standard, according to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.
But Minister Rishworth believes that this can be changed by the Australia Future Housing Fund, which according to its website was established with the purpose making grants in relation to acute housing needs, social housing or affordable housing.
Ms Rishworth claims the fund gives Government “a minimum silver standard that will be investing in an affordable and social housing.”
Housing Australia explains that to be eligible for the fund, projects must increase social housing through either construction or purchase of a newly built dwelling, renovation of existing residential dwellings or conversion of a non-residential property.
She also pointed to Supported Independent Living, an assisted housing option within the NDIS, labelling it “a real game changer.”
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of support that helps people with disabilities live independently in their own homes or shared living arrangements, with 24-hour support as needed.
“My focus when it comes to the NDIS is to really make sure that we are putting choice and control back at the centre but also building a more inclusive Australia outside the NDIS in mainstream systems,” Ms Rishworth says.