The Victoria Disability & Housing Forum commences on Monday 13 February with a series of free events over two weeks.
The Forum is for people with disability, their families, and carers, and others who are interested, aspart of the Opening the Door project,
The Opening the Door project is trying to help people with disability to make their own choices and take control of their housing options themselves.
Rights & Inclusion Australia is leading the delivery of the Opening the Door project, with National Shelter, Enliven Community, and the state and territory members of National Shelter. The project aims to support people with disability to achieve choice and control with their housing options.
The project is for all people with disability regardless of their type of disability or age, and whether they are a participant in the NDIS or not.
Below is some information on the sessions that are being held throughout next week. For any further information please head to the Opening the Door website
Online Sessions
Session 1: Pathways to Housing for People with Disability in Victoria
Monday 13 February, 11:30am – 1:00pm
This session is a panel presentation and discussion on opportunities & challenges in buying & renting housing in Victoria, in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
We will discuss the private housing market, and public, social and affordable housing. We will look at opportunities and challenges for people with disability, and initiatives that are in development.
Presenters will include representatives from Homes Victoria, the Community Housing Industry Association (Victoria) & Uniting Housing, and the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).
Session 2: Dealing with Tenancy Issues for People with Disability in Victoria
Tuesday 14 February, 11:30am – 1:00pm
This session is a panel presentation and discussion on tenants’ rights in Victoria.
We will discuss tenancy issues for those in the private housing rental market, and public, social and affordable housing, as well as supported independent living houses. This includes how people can get assistance.
Presenters will include representatives from Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Session 3: National Disability Insurance Scheme – Home & Living supports
Wednesday 15 February, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-home-and-living-supports-victoria
A presentation and discussion on accessing NDIS home and living supports.
We will discuss how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can assist you with home, and with living supports – from funding of specialist disability accommodation, to assistance with ‘individualised living options’. We will also discuss pending changes to the NDIS, and making complaints regarding housing and support provision.
‘Opening the Door’ Workshop Sessions (Face-to-Face)
Please note that these sessions are solely for people with disability, their families/ friends/ unpaid carers and any support needed to attend.
They are free events, but registration is essential.
Melbourne Workshop (Melbourne CBD)
Tuesday 21 February, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Storey Hall, 336/348 Swanston Street, Melbourne (just north of the State Library Victoria)
Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/opening-the-door-housing-workshop-melbourne-bxjtuc21
Bendigo Workshop
Wednesday 22 February, 10:00am – 2:00pm
MacKenzie Hall, 10-12 MacKenzie Street, Bendigo (just off View Street)
Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/opening-the-door-housing-workshop-bendigo
At these four-hour face-to-face workshop, we will:
Recap presentations and discussions from the three Online Sessions.
Discuss current housing issues that you are facing
Discuss opportunities to achieve choice and control with your housing options.
Lunch will be provided.