My name is Dyan. I’m a 50-year-old woman with a late-diagnosed chromosomal disorder, 22q11.2DS, a condition that has affected my entire body since birth, causing autoimmune and neurological issues with almost daily seizures, hypermobility and joint pain, spinal issues, GI tract and cardiac concerns. I have spent many years of my life stuck in bed and am also mostly wheelchair-bound. 

Five years ago, I commenced my NDIS journey, with one of my primary goals being to have secure, affordable, and fully accessible accommodation to support my disability, enabling me to focus on my daily living activities and quality of life, as 22q is a life-limiting condition with many complications. 

Unfortunately, my earlier experience with SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) was challenging to navigate with the NDIS, and finding a suitable housing solution anywhere in Perth that met my needs, including space for my partner of 30 years, who is also my full-time carer and guardian, was difficult. What was promised to improve my life unfortunately became a burden, as I spent two years trying to obtain the accessible features necessary for my overall disability. 

This year, we had the opportunity to engage with an ethical NDIS SDA provider, Yaran, which has been life-changing. Finally, the stress of the past two years has dissolved, enabling me to participate in the community, enjoy my art, and live my life among others with disabilities in a community. 

Having a team that can communicate clearly, honestly, and answer direct questions is such a relief. I applaud the clear communication, updates, and timely responses to queries from the team at Yaran. The SDA apartment that we chose actually has everything accessible that I could ever ask for from the outset, a stark change from the battle I had previously experienced. Being provided the opportunity for choice and control in the decisions of where and how I live means everything to me and has already made such a difference in my experience. I feel that I have finally got my partner back, rather than just a guardian consumed by paperwork and issues from a previous provider. 

Our Yaran apartment has been easy to make into a home, surrounded by our pets, overlooking the ocean with the sea breeze in the afternoon, nature at our doorstep, and an accessible park across the road. 

Being part of a community in our Yaran apartment building provides connections and new friendship opportunities. Having Overnight Onsite Supports through the OSS provider provides peace of mind. 

Securing a quality SDA apartment that is affordable gives me peace of mind for my future. It enables me to focus on what’s important in life and to actually live.