Carers Ask an Expert: Explore disability housing options

Carers Ask an Expert – Supporting Carers to explore Housing options for people with a disability

Caring for a family member or friend living with a disability can feel overwhelming – especially when it comes to understanding housing and support options under the NDIS. It is not only a practical decision, but also an emotional journey. For many carers, this step can bring up feelings of relief, uncertainty, guilt, or even grief, alongside hope for greater independence, and opportunity.

Join Presenters Stefanie Colella, Scope Business Development Manager and Hayley Maxwell, an experienced Disability Sector Professional, to guide you through:

- Understanding the home and living services and supports available under the NDIS

- Ensuring you have the right team to support you to get the best possible outcomes

- Understand how disability accommodation funding works

- The steps to take to secure the right housing solution.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, giving you the chance to ask questions relevant to your situation.

This is a practical, supportive session to help carers feel more informed and confident about the journey toward independent and appropriate housing for their family member or friend.

Location

This is an online event. A link will be provided upon registration.

Who should attend

This session is open to all carers and their families.

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

About our experts

Stefanie Colella is a Business Development Manager for Home and Living at Scope in Victoria. Stefanie brings a strong background in developing partnerships, client/participant advocacy, and delivering innovative housing solutions that empower people with a disability to live with greater choice and independence.

With a background in psychology and health care management, coupled with over 25 years’ experience working alongside people and families living with mental illness, neuropsychiatric illness, and other physical disabilities, Stefanie has led projects in service design, co-design, and implementation across hospitals, community health, and not-for-for profit organisations.

Stefanie’s focus is on driving growth in disability housing and supports by building meaningful relationships, identifying opportunities, and ensuring services remain participant-centred, sustainable, and responsive to community and client needs.

Hayley Maxwell has over 10 years’ experience in the disability sector, supporting individuals and families to navigate the NDIS. Starting in Support Coordination, she led large teams across NSW and specialised in Home and Living supports. Hayley is now the Senior Manager of Acquisition at Scope, driving strategic growth and supporting quality outcomes for participants.

Technology

This online event will be held on MS Teams. Carers Victoria has previously used Zoom in the past. MS Teams is very similar. To understand more about MS Teams visit the help site Microsoft Teams help & learning.