Al lives in a Specialist Disability Accommodation apartment in NSW that Home in Place manages. He wrote this story on how his home is helping him to live his best life.
Making the move out of home at the age of 21 was certainly an adventure for me and my family. Like any young adult, I was keen to ensure where I lived had amenities and transport nearby. The unit I rented had to be suitable for my needs.
From a young age, I had communicated my desire to live independently. Even though my family were not sure early on how this might look, those closest to me made it our mission to make it a reality, no matter what!
It’s been two years since I first moved into my home and signed my own lease.
My life has certainly changed positively. As a young man with physical disabilities accessing assistance for areas of my personal life is part and parcel of daily living. I have been able to arrange this support through careful planning and budgeting and the help of many supporters.
New people meeting me quickly learn the importance of respecting me in my home environment and my rights to self- determine.
We remind people to knock first when they come to my door.
I always make it my mission to welcome people into my home and help them learn how to communicate with me directly through eye gaze, nonverbal cues and, of course, computer games.
Since moving into my own home, I have launched my online business, jackpotgifts.au, and enjoyed several holidays. I have hosted Christmas and morning teas and organised many catch ups with friends and family at nearby clubs and cafes.
An advantage of my new home is having active property managers who endeavour to attend to property maintenance and issues as they arise. Learning to advocate for my needs has been an important part of moving out.
I feel incredibly lucky to have made my home a place I love to hang out in as well as somewhere that feels welcoming to people in my life. My 2-year-old niece loves coming to visit and I now have firsthand knowledge of the local play equipment nearby.
There is no doubt through hard work and with a great circle of people, I have created a home.
I am truly living my best life.
