QLD housing forum addressing barriers for people with disability

Abstract

A Queensland Disability & Housing Forum commenced this week, delivering a series of online and in-person sessions and workshops around the State, aimed at addressing housing barriers for people with disability.

The Queensland forum is part of a national series of events being held around the country. Accessing housing for people with disability is harder than it should be, but a range of solutions are available to benefit all members of the community.

“For people with disability, finding housing that is suitable and enables them to set up a stable home in an area and community of their choice is very challenging, on top of the shortage of housing and the current affordability crisis that impacts on everyone,” said Michael Bleasdale, Executive Officer of Rights & Inclusion Australia (R&IA).

R&IA is a national organisation of and for people with disability which is hosting the Queensland forum, in partnership with Q Shelter, from 26 July to 4 August.

Coming events as part of the forum include:

Queensland – Online sessions

Friday 29 July, 11:00 – 12:30pm: National Disability Insurance Scheme – Home & Living Supports. Register here

– Queensland – Face-to-face ‘Opening the Door’ Housing Workshops

• Tuesday 2 August, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Brisbane.

Venue: Wesley House, 140 Ann Street, Brisbane (Burnett Room)

Register here

• Thursday 4 August, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Cairns..

Cairns Regional Council, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns (Civic Rooms)

• Register here

Q Shelter Executive Director, Fiona Caniglia, said that Queensland was working hard to ensure that new homes built for social and affordable housing include accessible features and design. The major issue impacting access to housing for people living with disability in Queensland is a lack of affordable housing options.

“The housing crisis puts pressure on all people seeking a home, particularly on those with disability who face even greater challenges finding suitable accommodation to meet their needs,” Ms Caniglia said.

“Finding a home where people have access to amenities and transport, be able to make home modifications, and support their established connections to communities are made more difficult when supply is low, and the demand and cost for homes are high.”

Q Shelter continues to advocate for more affordable and sustainable housing options for all Queenslanders.

It is important for people to understand their housing options and progress the housing option that is right for them.

Forum event registrations are still open to people with disability, and families, and others from the community. Details can be found at https://riaustralia.org/opening-the-door-project/.

For further information please contact:

Michael Bleasdale, R&IA                                   0499 900 006

Michelle Saftich, Q Shelter Media contact, 0407 074 645