Episode 1.12 Reframing the role of inclusive housing in Australia’s traditional housing system with Nicole Makin-Doherty

Before recording this Episode 12, I read a story about a man who had been given a bath all his life and was finally able to take his first independent shower after moving into an accessible home.

That moment captures my conversation with Nicole Makin-Doherty, CEO and Managing Director of Empowered Liveability, about accessible housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and why so many Australians are still locked out of homes that meet their needs.

Key questions explored:

• Why do only 5% of new homes meet basic accessibility standards?
• Why are more than 40% of SDA rooms unoccupied while people are still searching for housing?
• What do investors misunderstand about SDA and NDIS funding?
• How can inclusive design support disability, recovery and ageing in place?
• Could the crossover between SDA and social housing help more people access suitable homes?

The discussion also considers physical, sensory, financial and community access, and why designing for inclusion can support greater independence, connection and dignity.

#AccessibleHousing #SDA #NDIS #AgeingInPlace #UniversalDesign