Luke lived with his family until he was in his early 20s. His parents realised that they needed to start then to assist Luke to build his own life and community as they would not always be around. Luke rents a small public housing home. When Luke was settled, his parents relocated to be close to him. Luke receives support through a small personalised service, which allows Luke to employ, train and direct the support-workers.
Region: Australia
Jonathon’s Story
Shared Living is about people living together, sharing experiences and building friendships in a place called home. The Avivo team (formerly Perth Home Care Services) work with Jonathan in his home to help provide him the best supports and services to live life. This short film on shared Living is all about friendship, fun and independence. This is the story of Jonathan as told by his father Arthur, his housemate Justin and his Support Worker Lincoln.
Taking Charge of Joe’s Future
Joe’s family have bought the house across the road. The family renovated it and Joe is now living there. Joe uses computers with assistance to communicate with his extended family. Joe has a mix of formal support, which the family direct, and informal support from his extended family. Joe has a small stable team of workers from the local community who have become close to him.
Tony Makes Style Functional in his Inner-city Abode
Tony has a simple well-designed apartment that accommodates his extensive assistive technology and allows for him to move easily around. Tony has set up his home with assistive technology so that he can do most things for himself, including choose his own music, enjoy reading and organise his own clothes and personal care.
Enabling Home- Housemates
Warren O’Brien has successfully achieved living in his own home along with the support of housemates. Warren’s mother Anita, was instrumental in the planning and implementation of this living arrangement for her son, along with Warren’s support workers and housemates
June’s Story – Never Too Late for a Good Life
June lived in an institution for about 40 years and then in a private hostel. There was a lot of abuse in the hostel system and June had lost contact with all her family. It took a long time for June to trust anyone but with the help of some advocates who remained faithful to her, she was able to find her family and to set up a home of her own.
Home and Belonging – Cameron’s Story
Anything Is Possible
Matthew has always had a strong vision for himself as an independent person. His family were surprised and concerned at his plan to move to a larger nearby town. However, they wanted him to achieve his goals, so they supported him to that end. Originally, different options were considered, one of which was the idea of cluster housing with shared support. Matthew preferred the idea of a regular home in a regular street. He did not want to be defined by his disability. In the end they followed Matthew’s wishes.
Julia: This is My Home
In her mid-twenties Julia moved out into a group home but she was not happy or well. Julia found out that her residence was closing and said she wanted to live in the city near her sister, so the family decided to relocate. They worked with friends and a service provider to plan how Julia could have a home of her own.
Dee’s Place
Living independently is something most teenagers look forward to. So it wasn’t a surprise when at 18, Dee Holmes told her mum and dad that she wanted to live in her own place, like her brothers. But for people like Dee, who have intellectual disabilities, finding the enough support to live with independence is difficult. Guidance is out there, but you need to know where to turn.