A new program designed to help meet the demand for appropriate short-term accommodation for people with disabilities is soon to be launched in Australia.
The Disability Homestay Network (DHN) will provide standards-based, properly-managed hosted accommodation for eligible participants funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
DHN is an initiative of MyStay International and was grown out of a commitment to improve the quality and quantity of short-term accommodation options in the disability sector.
The DHN program aims to give Australians living with disability the opportunity to make connections outside their usual network, enhance their daily life skills and develop independence while offering greater choice and control on their journey to achieving their goals.
David Bycroft, Founder and Executive Director of MyStay International, said initial industry feedback has been positive.
“An independent assessment found that the Disability Homestay Network program has the opportunity to be a game-changer for people with disability, allowing them to experience the safety and security of a family home setting whilst enabling their support network to take a short break from their support responsibilities,” Mr Bycroft said.
“Our goal is to deliver an amazing experience for both participants and hosts, one that will lead to building long-term friendships as well as improving inclusion of people with disability in the community.”
More than 400,000 Australians have access to NDIS funding and support.
The initiative will use the infrastructure and experience of the successful homestay model operated by the Australian Homestay Network, who will manage the program.
People with a caring, positive and open mind are invited to apply to host for the DHN program. Training is provided for successful applicants as part of the on-boarding process.
