Inclusive housing through co-design
We are committed to co-designing housing initiatives that improve outcomes for people of all ages, abilities, and needs.
Co-design ensures our disability housing initiatives reflect the voices and lived experiences of:
- people with disability
- supporters
- peak bodies
- housing, homelessness, and disability service sectors.
Co-design also ensures people with disability:
- have a voice on matters that impact their homes and lives
- are consulted on Queensland Government policy, programs, services, products, and legislation changes that impact their rights, choice, control, and inclusion in public life.
Background
In 2022 we partnered with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) to bring together different groups of people to co-design housing priorities and actions. This work was focused on creating inclusive housing options for Queenslanders with disability.
The outcomes achieved through our co-design journey will inform our work as we continue to deliver housing with and for people with disability.
Our priorities for inclusive housing
Through co-design workshops, we identified 5 key priorities to help improve housing outcomes for people with disability.
1. Integrated pathways into suitable housing
We learned that people with disability are more likely to stay in government or institutional housing longer than they need to because there aren’t enough suitable housing options or there are delays accessing timely support.
We also heard that:
- housing conversations need to start well before people leave government or institutional housing
- navigating the housing and support system is complex
- we need to respond to ‘complex systems’ not ‘complex people’
- people need access to timely, suitable housing
- long-term housing is needed, not short-term or temporary housing where people get ‘stuck’
- support should be available to help people keep their housing.
2. Maximised accessible and sustainable housing options
People grow older, families change, and children move in and out of home. Homes should be designed to respond to people’s changing needs over time. Solutions should recognise that accessibility doesn’t stop at the front door.
We heard that people with disability want:
- ordinary homes in ordinary places with the people they choose
- safe, accessible housing that supports independence and community involvement
- to move away from outdated group homes
- choice about where they live, who they live with, and who comes into their home—they don’t want a landlord or support provider making these decisions for them
- a home that is theirs, not a workplace for paid support staff.
3. Better access into the private housing market
People with disability often have low household incomes and higher-than-average living costs, such as extra medical and transport costs. This makes it hard to buy or rent in the private housing market.
We heard that:
- people need accessible pathways into the private housing market
- renters find it difficult to negotiate modifications with their landlord to make their home suitable to their needs
- we need to create new ways to find accessible housing for sale or rent
- shared living can enable people to live independently, share costs, and build friendships
- when looking to share, people want to know where to find a suitable home or housemate and what to do if it doesn’t work out
- peer support helps people to talk about things that matter to them.
4. Strong safeguards for people with disability in residential services
People with disability living in residential services can face issues related to low income, substance use issues and social isolation. A residential service is accommodation where four or more tenants each occupy a room, but share communal facilities, such as kitchens or living spaces. This includes private boarding houses. People may not understand their rights or how to make a complaint, or they may feel too scared to speak up about their concerns.
We heard that:
- a modern residential services industry is needed, with updated legislation
- people can be at increased risk of human rights abuses in residential services
- they should be supported to explore other housing options if they want
- access to complaints processes can be difficult to access and navigate
- residents can pay around 85% of their pension and the full amount of their Commonwealth Rent Assistance payments
- there needs to be greater transparency in the costs for accommodation, meals, and personal care.
5. Enhanced crisis and emergency accommodation responses
Not all crisis accommodation is accessible for people with disability, particularly ageing crisis accommodation. This can result in people moving away from family, friends, doctors, support networks, or schools to access suitable housing.
We heard that:
- accessing disability supports and equipment can be challenging for people who are homeless
- people need crisis accommodation that is accessible
- a coordinated, multi-agency response can prevent people from falling through the gaps
- more support is needed to help people prepare for a disaster
- people are twice as likely to be socially isolated or injured during a natural disaster
- in times of natural disasters there need to be a connection between available housing and what is suitable for people.