Young people with disability are learning the skills to live independently as part of a new transitional house established by The Disability Trust—an NDIS registered provider operating in NSW and the ACT.
In 2018, The Disability Trust opened its first transitional house called ‘Gateway’ in the Illawarra region of NSW, providing a temporary home-based service for young adults with disability who have the potential to learn to live independently.
Gateway houses four residents, assisted by support workers, to learn life skills to help them move into a place of their own. Participants sign a 12 month lease and set goals to clarify what they’re going to achieve in that time.
This style of transitional living is assisting young men like Corey (pictured) to access the NDIS services he needs, which rely on having a home base. Corey is learning independent living skills while being able to return to a safe place each night and getting the support he needs to thrive. Corey has gone from sleeping outside each night to coming home for dinner, showering and a bed, and is taking pride in his house and his appearance.
“We’re confident in the model and looking to replicate this elsewhere,” said Edward Birt, The Trust’s Chief Operating Officer. “Gateway is a stepping stone for young people with disability who have capacity to live independently, through some transitional stability and supports.”
