Geraldton tenants view Perth-built specialist disability accommodation units at Habitilas launch in a WA first

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) modular units were unveiled to their respective tenants this week after being built and shipped to Geraldton within a year. With a build time of just seven months, the first-of-its-kind SDA modular homes were transported to Geraldton and officially launched on Wednesday. Tenants, along with their families and carers, were given the opportunity to tour the homes and view key features that distinguish the SDA accommodation from others. The main walls inside the units are constructed from plywood to avoid damage which might occur with a regular plaster wall, while window glass has been replaced with a shatter-proof plastic material for safety and peace of mind. Other features include wheelchair accessible entryways and spaces, and electrical fittings installed for the individual tenant’s requirements, such as electronic door opening systems and bed lifts. Callum Savin, one of the tenants at the launch, got a first glimpse at his future home. The non-verbal 22-year-old could not hide his excitement as he explored the unit. Situated in Wonthella, the three dwellings are conveniently located near recreational centres and the local IGA, with tenants expected to receive their keys in a matter of days. According to Habilitas, this marks the first round of modular-constructed specialist disability accommodation in WA. Habilitas director John Cameron said materials were purposely selected for longevity and reduced future maintenance costs for clients. “It has resulted in increased cost, but our investors are focused on the longer term, low maintenance outcomes, as opposed to cheaper build outcomes,” he said. “We are quite proud we were able to deliver these in a seven month period with our preferred builder Modular WA. We are also proud of the site selection process that we have — enabling people to live within the community, but also access amenities.”