United for Care's Response to the Insights Report: Regulation for In-home and Housing Supports

Acknowledgement of Country

At United for Care, we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live and work. We honour their Elders—past, present, and emerging—and recognise their ongoing connection to land, waters, and community. We're committed to creating an inclusive society that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, including First Nations people and people living with disabilities.

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Our Response to the Insights Report

We’re excited to share our thoughts on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s latest report, which shines a spotlight on improving the quality and safety of in-home and housing supports. We fully support the Commission’s efforts to enhance participant choice, control, and inclusion through the proposed updates to the NDIS Practice Standards and the separation of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

At United for Care, our Vertical Village model offers an innovative and effective alternative to traditional group housing, aligning perfectly with the participant-centred principles outlined in the report.

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The Vertical Village Model: A Better Way to Live

We believe people living with disabilities deserve safe, dignified, and participant-driven housing solutions. That’s why we created the Vertical Village model—a unique approach designed to empower participants and provide them with the independence they deserve. Here’s how our model aligns with the report’s vision:

Bringing Housing and Support Together

1. Participants live in high-quality, self-contained apartments within a vibrant community.

2. Homes are conveniently located close to support services, public transport, and social hubs to encourage full community participation.

Empowering Choice and Control

1. Participants decide where and how they live, who they live near, and the types of supports they receive.

2. Our model keeps housing and support services separate, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest. ‍

Promoting Independence and Safety

1. With 24/7 on-site support from trauma-informed, culturally aware staff, participants feel secure and supported.

2. The Vertical Village model strikes the right balance between personal independence and duty of care.

Encouraging Social and Economic Inclusion

1. Our approach helps participants stay connected with family, friends, and even pets.

2. We offer tailored programs for employment and skill development to promote greater independence.  

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How We Align with Key Themes from the Report

Simplified, Participant-Focused NDIS Practice Standards

We fully support simplifying the NDIS Practice Standards to put participants first. Our model embeds human rights principles into everything we do, ensuring services are built around real participant outcomes—not just compliance.

We recommend:

• Co-designing standards with participants and providers to ensure lived experiences are reflected.

• Sharing best-practice case studies, such as our Vertical Village model, to help other providers adopt participant-first approaches.

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Developing Specific SIL Practice Standards

The report’s recommendation for SIL-specific standards is a positive step forward. However, it’s essential that these standards remain flexible and adaptable to individual needs.

Our thoughts:

• The Vertical Village model shows how tailored support can help participants achieve their personal goals.

• Providers should have the flexibility to create support plans that balance independence with shared living responsibilities.

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Separating SIL and SDA

We strongly support the complete separation of SIL and SDA services to reduce conflicts of interest and empower participants to make truly independent choices.

Our recommendations:

• Clear transition plans to ensure minimal disruption for participants.

• Financial and training support for providers, especially in regional areas where options may be limited.

• A well-defined exception process for complex cases to ensure continuity of care.

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Practical Steps for Success

To help make the proposed changes a reality, we suggest the following key actions:

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Better Regulatory Guidance

1. Provide easy-to-understand guidelines for providers and participants.

2. Offer real-world case studies to illustrate successful, innovative solutions.

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Upskilling the Workforce

1. Increase investment in training programs focused on trauma-informed care and cultural competence.

2. Deliver ongoing education for auditors to ensure participant-focused assessments.

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Encouraging Collaboration

1. Establish forums where providers can share insights and best practices.

2. Promote partnerships between SDA and SIL providers to address market gaps.

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Supporting Smooth Transitions

1. Offer financial assistance to help providers adapt to new regulations.

2. Introduce participant-led review processes to enhance transparency and accountability.  

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Moving Forward Together

At United for Care, we’re committed to working closely with the NDIS Commission and the broader community to bring these important recommendations to life. Our Vertical Village model is a game-changer for supported living in Australia, and we’re passionate about helping people living with disabilities achieve independence, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, answer any questions you might have about our approach, and discuss how we can collaborate to create better living solutions in the NDIS. Get in touch with us today and let’s shape the future—together.

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