A Place to Call Home: Specialist Disability Accommodation
By VMCH · Originally published 16 December 2020
Original article
At VMCH, our services are as diverse as the people we support. Our values underpin the work we do. For more, please visit our Clickability profile.
Growing up and moving in with your mates is a rite of passage. But for some young people with disability, it’s not so simple.
December marks 12 months since Lara, Matthew, Andy and Wayne moved into their own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Glen Waverley, run by non-profit aged and disability services organisation VMCH.
The story behind how the four came to live together is unique, and a testament to the love and tenacity of their parents, who advocated for more than 15 years to ensure their children were able to live together in a home that fostered friendship, fun and family.
The families – Sue and Colin Chinner, Jill and John Cole, Kitty David and Karen Everett – met at Glenallen specialist school when their children were aged six. Over the years they became friends and discovered they shared a dream of seeing their children live in a place that was more than supported accommodation, but rather a home surrounded by people with similar values.
The process wasn’t simple. Ordinarily, people with disability need to apply for accommodation that, while practical, doesn’t necessarily provide for their social and personal preferences.
The four, now aged in their thirties, had been attending VMCH’s day program and staff knew of their dream. With support from VMCH and the introduction of the NDIS (making the process for finding appropriate accommodation easier) the dream became a reality in December 2019.
“Andy, Matthew and Lara were like the rat pack at school, they were thick as thieves. I’m really happy because I never thought it was going to happen,” said Sue, Matthew’s mum.
“It’s (the move) been incredibly positive and I would love to see this for the future; for friends to be placed together."
Lara’s mum, Jill, said living with her friends and having the support of their families was invaluable for her daughter.
“Lara loves it because she’s very social and when the other families come in and talk to her, they know what’s going on in her life. They’re not saying ‘hello’ to be polite, they have meaningful conversations.”
Kitty said her son Andy, who loves horror movies and the Bombers, was “very happy” at the Glen Waverley home.
“They’ve known each other since they were little so he’s very comfortable and very happy there. I couldn't ask for more.”
Living with his mates was incredibly important for music-lover Wayne, said his mum, Karen.
“This is his extended family. He was quite proud to move out of home and live there.”
Ensuring their children were safe and happy as they age was also a motivation for their parents.
“One of the best things is the siblings of the four friends also know each other as they’ve been to all the celebrations over the years,” Jill said. “The next part of the dream was knowing there would be support there when we’re not, through their siblings.”
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
How participants can make friendship part of the housing discussion
Explain who you would like to live with, where you want to be and what privacy and assistance matter to you. Friendship can be important without making a shared home the right choice for everyone. Ask how your preferences will be considered and what happens if the arrangement changes.
Check SDA eligibility separately from a provider’s offer, and clarify daily support, rent contributions and bills. A successful group story does not guarantee that the same option will suit your needs.
Help sustain relationships without deciding the home for the person
With permission, help record existing relationships, access needs and useful support. Ask how the participant will remain involved in housemate and provider decisions. Do not assume siblings can inherit unlimited care responsibilities; discuss realistic continuity arrangements with the person and relevant services.
Questions readers ask
Does wanting to share with friends establish SDA eligibility?
No. SDA has distinct eligibility and funding requirements. Official guidance
Is a shared home the right arrangement for every participant?
No. Consider individual preferences, needs and available options. Official guidance
Find home and living providers for the arrangement you want
Describe your housing preferences and support needs through Clickability. Compare reviewed and rated profiles, then confirm eligibility, current vacancies and costs directly.
