Before recording this Episode 12, I read a story about a man who had been given a bath all his life and was finally able to take his first independent shower after moving into an accessible home.

That moment captures my conversation with Nicole Makin-Doherty, CEO and Managing Director of Empowered Liveability, about dignity, independence and inclusion and why so many Australians are still locked out of housing that works for them

We explored why only 5% of new homes meet basic accessibility standards and how more than 40% of SDA rooms are unoccupied while thousands of people are still searching for a place to live.

Nicole explained how this mismatch comes down to location, design and misunderstanding of how the NDIS actually works and what can be done to fix it.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Why over 1,000 SDA homes are vacant and how location, design and policy all play a role
• The biggest misconception investors have about SDA and why the NDIS doesn’t guarantee rent
• How inclusive design benefits everyone, from parents with prams to people recovering from injury and anyone who wants to age in place
• The crossover between SDA and social housing could help bridge the gap for people who need accessible homes but aren’t NDIS participants

People thrive when they can stay in their own homes. We need to move beyond compliance and design truly inclusive communities that don’t lock people out by focusing on:

• Physical access – homes that work for daily life
• Sensory access – design that support sensory needs
• Financial access – housing that is affordable, not just available
• Ageing in place – staying close to family improves health and connection
• Community access – transport, public spaces and workplaces that include everyone

Any of us could need accessible housing tomorrow. Inclusive homes and infrastructure create communities that support independence, connection and dignity for everyone.

Resources mentioned:

• Housing Hub – quarterly data on demand and funding
• Summer Foundation – research and advocacy on accessible housing
• Empowered Livability – provider insights and case studies

#AccessibleHousing #SDA #NDIS #AgeingInPlace #UniversalDesign #DisabilityInclusion #SocialImpact