Gaining independence

Published: 

6 December 2024 4:08PM

Lou-ani Marie and her young daughter Azalea recently moved into an accessible social housing unit at Underwood, built specifically to cater for the needs of people with disability.

'This is our first home of our own,' Lou-ani Marie says. 'It’s such a blessing.’

Azalea was born premature in April 2021, weighing just 598 grams when she was delivered at 26 weeks and 5 days. She spent 6 months in Royal Brisbane and Queensland Children’s hospitals with significant complications.

Lou-ani Marie says that accessing the rental market was difficult.

'We always lived with my parents, sharing a 3-bedroom home with them and my 4 younger siblings,' she says.

While the family dotes on their first grandchild, Lou-ani Marie was happy to have some independence thanks to her new unit.

'Azalea is really outgoing. She likes going for walks so we try to go out every day, and she likes toys that light up and play music. She also likes watching some Bluey and Ms Rachel’s Songs for Littles.

'Now Azalea and I have our own little piece of happiness with nice neighbours and a safe neighbourhood. Here, the area is so familiar, it’s close to my family, close to Azalea’s appointments and, we don’t have a car, so we can use public transport.

'More and more of Azalea’s therapy sessions are becoming home-based visits and the therapists are really happy with the accessible space here.’

Accessible homes

We’re committed to creating more accessible and sustainable housing options for people with disability.

Going forward, at least 50% of all new social homes will meet Livable Housing Design standards at Gold or Platinum levels.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.