About The Project
Disability housing and funding models are changing across the sector, and governments are looking to ensure value for money. In addition, customers have more choice and expectations are growing, with providers needing to demonstrate responsiveness and impact.
Despite this, it is hard to know what good looks like, and there is no consistency across organisations regarding systems and methods used to collect and analyse data. This makes it difficult to compare and learn from each other about what works to guide future development of the market.
In this context SVA Consulting has partnered with the sector to codevelop a common outcomes framework to understand the impact of housing and in-home supports on the lives of people with disability.
The Disability Housing Outcomes Framework is a free resource designed by and for stakeholders across the disability sector, with a particular focus on providers of disability housing and in-home supports. The purpose of the Framework is to help providers understand and benchmark their performance, and in turn improve the lives of people with disability. It is a living piece of work that will be improved and adapted over time as our shared understanding of the sector grows.
The Framework Explained
This Framework considers the link between the activities of providers (levers) and the outcomes created for people with disability, and provides a common approach to tracking impact.
Outcomes
The Framework defines six outcomes that matter most for people with disability to live a good life.
The OutcomesIndicators
There are eight indicators which providers can use to track the impact of their work against the six outcomes.
The IndicatorsLevers
The levers are the decisions and activities made by providers which facilitate or enhance outcomes for people with disability.
The LeversThe Outcomes
The Framework identifies six outcomes which reflect NDIA core values of choice and control, and what matters most for people with disability to live a good life.
Daily Living
People with disability are in control of their daily living routines.
Relationships & Community
People with disability have healthy relationships at home and are connected to their community.
Independence
People with disability have choice and control over decisions about their lives.
Health
People with disability are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and can access health services.
Rights & Voice
People with disability can exercise their rights and responsibilities, and have valued roles in community.
Stability & Safety
People with disability are comfortable in their home and safe from physical and psychological harm.
The Indicators
Eight common indicators have been selected for housing and support providers to understand progress towards the six outcomes. These indicators will be measured by all organisations that adopt the Framework. This will help to set a benchmark for organisations, making it easier to compare impact against others in the sector. There is also a larger set of optional indicators for each of the outcomes. The additional indicators are provided for organisations that want a more robust picture of the impact they are having on each outcome domain.
Shorter-term outcome indicators
- Satisfaction with care received
- Change in frequency of positive interactions
- Daily self care needs are met (personal hygiene, eating and care)
Longer-term outcome indicators
- Sense of comfort
- Satisfaction with access to health services
- Level of control over the front door: who comes in or out, and when
- Social visits with family/friends who are not living with them
- Ability to gain and/or keep valued role(s) in the home and community akin to others of a similar age (e.g. worker, volunteer, student, business or community leader)
The Levers
Disability housing is a complex ecosystem and it can be difficult to understand how outcomes can be improved. The Framework identifies eight key levers or tools which housing and support providers have control over and can be used to facilitate or enhance good outcomes for people with disability.
Built-form housing providers (SDA)
- Location – Proximity of the home to services, work, family and friends
- Quality of home – Durability of the home including workmanship and the materials
- Design and configuration – The layout of the housing, style, and accessibility features
In-home support providers (SIL)
- Support model – Model of care including active supports and delivery
Shared levers
- Stability – Tenure of the house, changes in staff, changes in residents in a shared home
- Safety – Features or services that allow for comfort within the home and facilitate improved safety
- Relationships between residents and providers – The relationship between residents and providers, and between providers
- Tenancy Matching – Processes in place to pair people with disability to housing and other residents
Our Partners
To ensure it is meaningful and practical, the Framework has been developed in partnership with people and organisations across the sector including people with disability, representative and industry peak bodies, disability and housing providers, funders, academics, and thought leaders.
Our coalition includes stakeholders from across the disability sector: