Links
We think these sites are worth a visit, but this does not mean that we necessarily agree with, or endorse, any of their content.
Department of Human Services - particularly Disability Online
Down Syndrome Association of Victoria
Association for Children with a Disability
Victorian Housing Inclusion Unit runs out of Supported Housing Limited
Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID)
About us
What can we offer?
Noraccom offers housing that is long term, secure, supported and affordable It will provide your child with every opportunity to reach their potential as semi-independent adults.
We aim to:
- develop & improve independent living skills for residents
- build confidence & self-esteem in an atmosphere of responsibility & mutual support
- foster self-sufficiency in a neighbourly living environment
- enable mildly disabled adults to contribute to the diversity of the local community.
What’s our track record?
Noraccom was formed in 1982 to provide community based accommodation for people with an intellectual disability. Noraccom managed 15 houses in the northern metropolitan area of Melbourne until the government resumed control of all services in 1993.
Government policy was, and still is, to assist those with severe disabilities, paying little attention to the more mildly disabled until a crisis occurs such as the death or incapacity of the parents or carer, at which stage the child is rushed into a Community Residential Unit or nursing home having little or no acknowledgement for their wants or needs.
Recognising the lack of community based accommodation for this special needs group, in 1995 Noraccom purchased a house in Watsonia, renovated it with volunteer labor and opened with two mildly disabled tenants and a co-tenant to provide basic support. In 1998 a new house was built to accommodate 5 more residents and the property has been operating successfully on a self-funding basis without government funding. All residents have their own room with ensuite and there are common lounge and eating areas.
To consolidate its position and cater for the increasing demand for positions in the facility, Noraccom purchased the adjoining property and has recently built (late 2006) a further two houses accommodating an additional four residents per house.
It should be noted that there will be no further expansion of Noraccom’s operations at this site. We will however continue to market this project and actively work with other parents and groups giving information on this unique accommodation model.
How are the residences run?
Each facility is run by a committee of management consisting of a mix of residents’ family members and guardians and other community-minded volunteers. The committee of management ensures clarity of goals, clear strategy and oversees both the operations and financial position of the facility. The committee meets at 7.30pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month and anyone is welcome to attend.
An able-bodied adult lives on the premises & is available to residents at all times in the event of an emergency. The lead tenant lives in a separate fully self-contained house at the front of the facility whereby they can continue to live their own lives but be close enough to provide support, guidance and mentoring to the residents as and when required.
The lead tenant does not work on weekends - a team of paid part time support staff work on weekends providing the necessary support to the residents including providing meals and sleeping over on both nights. In addition to this, the houses are staffed for several hours in the morning, evening and overnight so that the residents are adequately supported.