JANE*

I’m behind this campaign, in the hope that telling my story can help change the way NDIS responds to housing requests and shine a light on a system that has made gaining suitable housing, which is a basic human right, a traumatic and stressful experience. I just don’t want to see anyone else go through what I have been through, especially in our community where we, as disabled people, are already marginalised! 

I’ve been navigating the SDA housing system since 2014. Despite nearly a decade of battling the broken system I currently still don’t have my housing needs met. My application took 169 days to be approved by the NDIS. I had been offered a property which would have been perfect for my needs. Due to the lengthy waiting period the offer was revoked, I was left with no other options. The experience was incredibly stressful and drawn out. I remember having to put my life on hold as I was uncertain where I was going to live. 

I am proud that I continue to fight to live on my terms. I work hard to keep my dignity; I have always strived to live a "normal life” and I’m not one to sit there and do nothing - I am determined to be the best human I can be. It's certainly not me who puts limits on myself, it's the world that puts limits on me!

*Name has been changed