I’ve been living in my own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment for four years now, and each year my confidence has grown because of Supported Independent Living (SIL). Thanks to the NDIS, I’ve found a way to break barriers, be my own person and have choice and control over my life.

Growing up with a disability I’ve always felt a bit awkward, like an outsider looking in. I felt very excluded from normal everyday things. I knew I didn’t fit the mould of what was socially considered to be normal or desired.

My feelings around this changed when I started living in my own apartment because I gained a sense of control that I hadn’t had prior to experiencing supported independent living. I started feeling like I was actually living my life and was no longer playing the role of someone I thought I should be. 

Every day I get to choose: what I do, where I go, who I hang out with, what to eat – all of these things I felt like I didn’t have a choice with before.  

When I moved into SDA, I was able to pursue one of my biggest passions. Using my support workers as a scribe, I am able to engage in daily writing. I write blogs and do other miscellaneous tasks online for the Housing Hub and pursue comedy writing for a standup duo with my sister. I’m also working on a fiction book in my spare time. 

Jamie-Lee at a festival, living life to the fullest.

I’ve started paying more attention to my body and the way it feels when I’m more active. My health and fitness has become one of the more important things in my life. With my progressive condition, I feel as if the only way of slowing it down is through movement. 

There are many setbacks in my life, but I usually find a way around them, thanks to the NDIS. I’m lucky enough to live in a country where I can financially access the therapies and support I need.

Stella Young acknowledged in her 2014 Ted talk, ‘We've all been raised to believe disability is a bad thing and able-bodiedness is always best’. 

I’ve found I can physically adapt in the right environment, and I’m lucky to have found a supported independent living situation that works for me.

The Housing Hub has a national team of Home and Living Specialists, offering home and living supports with a key focus on quality housing outcomes for NDIS participants.

You can learn more about these services on the Housing Hub website.

Was this article helpful?

About the author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of someone growing up disabled motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at uni, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. Shining a light on independent living options available to people with a disability is how we can create change in our society. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

The Housing Hub currently lists over 3,200 homes for people with disability to rent or buy, including individual apartments and group homes. Search for a home that is right for you today!

Or better still, creating a Housing Seeker Profile and let the Housing Hub do the hard work for you. Sign up here!

Questions about NDIS Housing?

Call our NDIS Housing Advice line

1300 61 64 63

For NDIS participants, their families, and supporters. Monday – Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm AEST. You can also email us anytime at housingoptions@housinghub.org.au.

I’ve been living in my own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment for four years now, and each year my confidence has grown because of Supported Independent Living (SIL). Thanks to the NDIS, I’ve found a way to break barriers, be my own person and have choice and control over my life.

Growing up with a disability I’ve always felt a bit awkward, like an outsider looking in. I felt very excluded from normal everyday things. I knew I didn’t fit the mould of what was socially considered to be normal or desired.

My feelings around this changed when I started living in my own apartment because I gained a sense of control that I hadn’t had prior to experiencing supported independent living. I started feeling like I was actually living my life and was no longer playing the role of someone I thought I should be. 

Every day I get to choose: what I do, where I go, who I hang out with, what to eat – all of these things I felt like I didn’t have a choice with before.  

When I moved into SDA, I was able to pursue one of my biggest passions. Using my support workers as a scribe, I am able to engage in daily writing. I write blogs and do other miscellaneous tasks online for the Housing Hub and pursue comedy writing for a standup duo with my sister. I’m also working on a fiction book in my spare time. 

Jamie-Lee at a festival, living life to the fullest.

I’ve started paying more attention to my body and the way it feels when I’m more active. My health and fitness has become one of the more important things in my life. With my progressive condition, I feel as if the only way of slowing it down is through movement. 

There are many setbacks in my life, but I usually find a way around them, thanks to the NDIS. I’m lucky enough to live in a country where I can financially access the therapies and support I need.

Stella Young acknowledged in her 2014 Ted talk, ‘We've all been raised to believe disability is a bad thing and able-bodiedness is always best’. 

I’ve found I can physically adapt in the right environment, and I’m lucky to have found a supported independent living situation that works for me.

The Housing Hub has a national team of Home and Living Specialists, offering home and living supports with a key focus on quality housing outcomes for NDIS participants.

You can learn more about these services on the Housing Hub website.

Was this article helpful?

About the author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of someone growing up disabled motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at uni, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. Shining a light on independent living options available to people with a disability is how we can create change in our society. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

The Housing Hub currently lists over 3,200 homes for people with disability to rent or buy, including individual apartments and group homes. Search for a home that is right for you today!

Or better still, creating a Housing Seeker Profile and let the Housing Hub do the hard work for you. Sign up here!

Questions about NDIS Housing?

Call our NDIS Housing Advice line

1300 61 64 63

For NDIS participants, their families, and supporters. Monday – Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm AEST. You can also email us anytime at housingoptions@housinghub.org.au.