Apartments in Wickham designed for NDIS participants are offering residents a sense of independence many have not had before.
The 24 specialist disability accommodation (SDA) units within the Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell complexes are among the first of their kind in the inner-city.
Zach Lloyd, 21, moved into the Eaton building in July. He said living in an apartment tailored to his needs had made life much easier.
"The apartment and the complex are totally wheelchair friendly," he said.
"There are lifts and automatic doors, so it is easy to go to the common areas and community garden. The shower is amazing and little things like having a mirror at my height make a difference. The moving up-and-down kitchen bench is my favourite feature."
Thirdi Group included the apartments, which are managed by its SDA arm Insitu Housing, in the two developments as part of a push to deliver 150 SDA units along the east coast by 2025. Almost 100 have been completed or are under constriction.
Specialist disability accommodation is for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with extreme functional impairment and high support needs.
To access the housing, they must have SDA approved in their NDIS plans.
Insitu Housing executive Rosie Trantham said Thirdi Group was aiming to provide SDA close to city centres or transport and amenities.
"We want to change the future of housing for people with a disability and be one of the largest suppliers of SDA housing," she said.
"Insitu Housing is about giving people with a disability more choice and control on where and whom they want to live with."
Tenants of the SDA units in Wickham have access to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and a 24/7 concierge.
"The concierge support worker gives residents and their families and carers peace of mind while maintaining resident's independence," Ms Rosie said.
"It also gives each resident the option of reducing their one-on-one support costs that they pay from their NDIS funding."
A former Singleton resident, Mr Llyod moved into his Wickham apartment only a few days before the Hunter went into lockdown. Despite the restrictions, he said he had enjoyed the change of scenery and was looking forward to taking advantage of the living in the city.
"I am close to the light rail and train which will help me with my goal of exploring new places in Newcastle and the Hunter," he said.
"I am a very social person so having neighbours, some living with a disability and some not, is something I wanted."
Five of the 24 Wickham units are occupied. Another 14 have applications being assessed.
