Something to Inspire You

It has been eight and a half years since I moved into the shared support accommodation facility where I now reside. For socially conservative reasons, pertaining to cost-benefit analysis, there has been a significant, tangible and intangible failure of choice and control. For the past eight and a half years, continuously undergoing the strains of living in this group home has had a detrimental effect on me — as I have written about in previous works.

However, in recent years I have been able to form a great support system. With the help of my dear friends, I have been able to fight against the system, even when at times I felt that I had my back against the wall. The work we have achieved together has been inspiring, and I will continue to keep pushing on for justice.

The past year has been a strenuous battle — against the system, and against stereotypes and disutilities. But now, it has all come to fruition. I am excited to announce that I have accepted an offer to move into my own apartment, which has been specifically designed for people with disabilities with high support needs!

I would like to thank Ablelink, Summer Foundation, Bruce Wearne and my support team for working tirelessly to make this happen.

The following is some information about the apartment that I will be moving into:

With cafe amenity on the ground floor and exquisite culinary choices a moment away at Oakleigh Village, the apartment is perfectly positioned for all of life’s pleasures and necessities.

Open plan kitchen, dining and living space is a core feature of the apartments, with the development also boasting a communal garden for residents’ enjoyment.

Designed for people with high physical support needs, the apartments feature customisable kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, and wheelchair accessible private outdoor areas. Smart home technology gives tenants maximum independence and privacy.

The beautifully presented single-level apartments have been designed to achieve Platinum level certification under Livable Housing Design Guidelines and meet High Physical Support design requirements under the NDIS.

The apartments are due for completion in late 2019.

View thehousinghub.org.au for more details.

I hope that this is the start of a new beginning, and that my journey to get here is one that has inspired you!

Many thanks to my friend and colleague Bruce Wearne, who has inspired me greatly in all my work and who has been my prolific ghost writer, my gratitude also extends to my phenomenal team of academic support workers. Firstly, team leader whose brilliance and courteous behavior has been a surmountable addition to my work, and additionally taking on the role as a ghost writer as well, Christina Irugalbandara whose work means so much to me. Daniella De Bruin whose brilliant and caring nature means so much to me. Also, Ikemi Ivara whose ability to command and control the situation with kindness. Lastly but definitely not least, Mercy Ndegwa who’s continually teaching me how to be a better person.

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