Registration and Arrival 

Welcome and Opening Remarks 

This presentation will explore the critical role of data in tackling the complex challenges faced by individuals with disabilities who remain in long-term healthcare settings, such as public hospitals, mental health units, and psychiatric facilities.

Focusing on the current situation in Queensland, with over 780 individuals residing in Queensland Health facilities as of June 2023, the session will examine systemic barriers to discharge and strategies for addressing these issues.

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Key challenges discussed will include delays in NDIS plan approvals, accommodation shortages, and the lack of available residential aged care placements for older patients.

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The session will delve into the advocacy efforts of the Public Advocate, which have raised awareness about the need for systemic change, and the work of Queensland Health’s Long Stay Rapid Response Team in addressing these challenges.

Additionally, the presentation will cover the role of key agencies, such as Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and Queensland Health, in creating sustainable discharge solutions for individuals with disability.

Data’s role in tracking housing availability and identifying gaps in the system, especially for those facing homelessness or transitioning from healthcare facilities, will be a core theme.

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The session will explore how data can shape policies, guide service delivery, and inform the development of housing solutions, enabling smoother transitions from healthcare settings into community living.

It will also highlight the role of data in matching patients with available housing and improving outcomes for individuals with disability.

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Key Topics Covered:

• Current statistics on long-stay patients in Queensland Health facilities.

• Barriers to discharge: NDIS plan approval delays, accommodation shortages, and residential aged care placement limitations.

• The role of Queensland Health’s Long Stay Rapid Response Team in addressing discharge challenges.

• Advocacy efforts by the Public Advocate and collaborations with QCAT and NDIA.

• Sustainable discharge pathways for individuals with disability back into the community.

• The importance of data in addressing homelessness and hospital discharge challenges, and its role in policy development and service delivery

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This session is designed for policymakers, healthcare professionals, housing providers, and data analysts working in the sectors of homelessness, mental health, and healthcare

Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the systemic barriers contributing to long-term institutionalization and gain insights into data-driven solutions for improving housing outcomes and facilitating smoother transitions for vulnerable individuals.

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Break 

This session explores the strategic advantages and practical hurdles of developing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) facilities near hospitals.

It examines how proximity to medical care benefits participants with complex needs and addresses the growing demand for bariatric design tailored for post-hospital discharge patients.

Additionally, the session highlights solutions to overcome zoning and planning restrictions and outlines strategies to attract investors for hospital-adjacent SDA developments.

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Attendees will gain actionable insights into aligning healthcare needs with innovative housing solutions, fostering better outcomes for participants and communities alike.

This panel session will bring together hospital social workers and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers to discuss best practices and solutions for ensuring safe and effective discharge pathways for patients requiring transitional housing.

The session will focus on the role of Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) in facilitating smooth transitions from hospital to community living, with a special focus on the needs of patients with disabilities, mental health conditions, and those experiencing complex discharge scenarios.

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Panelists will explore how collaboration between hospital social workers, healthcare professionals, and SIL providers can create comprehensive discharge plans that address housing, care, and support needs.

The discussion will also highlight the use of STA/MTA as a bridge for patients who require ongoing support but are not yet ready for long-term accommodation. Additionally, the session will address critical challenges in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) availability and the systemic barriers that delay hospital-to-SDA transitions.

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Key Topics Covered:

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• Challenges in Hospital Discharge and Housing Availability

• The Role of Hospital Social Workers

• Leveraging STA and MTA 

• Step-Down Housing as a Solution:

• Collaboration Between Healthcare and Housing Providers:

• Innovative Funding Models:

• Addressing Specialised Needs:

Outcomes:

Attendees will gain insights into the role of hospital social workers in managing complex discharge processes.
The session will provide strategies for integrating STA and MTA in hospital discharge pathways.
Attendees will learn about the collaborative approaches between hospital social workers, SIL providers, and other stakeholders to enhance discharge outcomes for patients.
Practical insights will be provided on funding options and how to make transitional housing more sustainable and effective.
Delegates  will explore solutions for bridging the SDA housing gap, ensuring smoother hospital-to-SDA transitions and improved patient outcomes.

This session is essential for professionals seeking to improve hospital discharge outcomes, bridge gaps in the healthcare and housing systems, and provide better living conditions for patients requiring ongoing support.

Lunch 

This session will provide a comprehensive update on the State of Response Report 2024 for homelessness and domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australia, with a focus on Queensland's evolving strategies to address these critical issues.

The session will explore the intersection between homelessness, DFV, and mental health, highlighting the impact of systemic challenges and the effectiveness of current government and community-based responses

Key topics will include the availability and access to crisis accommodation, specialist support services, and integrated models for DFV survivors.

The session will also examine new insights and trends from the report, looking at how the landscape has changed in recent years and the future of support systems for affected individuals, particularly those with complex needs.

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Key Topics Covered:

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• Overview of the State of Response Report 2024 on homelessness and DFV.

• Gaps in current responses to DFV, homelessness, and mental health needs.

• Effective service models for crisis accommodation and transitional housing.

• The role of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Short Term Accommodation (STA) in supporting individuals with complex needs.

• Government and non-government collaborations in DFV and homelessness prevention.

• Emerging trends and data insights on DFV and homelessness across Queensland and Australia.

This session will explore the interconnected challenges facing child protection services, youth housing, and domestic violence survivors, while also addressing the issue of underutilised Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes and vacant properties that investors struggle to fill.

Many of these investors, facing financial strain, are at risk of bankruptcy due to the lack of demand and high vacancy rates.

The discussion will delve into the root causes of these vacancies, including inadequate placement models for vulnerable populations and a mismatch between housing needs and available accommodations. It will also highlight the broader impact of this issue on child protection, youth at risk, and survivors of domestic violence who urgently require safe, stable housing.

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Key topics will include:

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• The increasing demand for housing solutions for young people, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals in child protection care.

• The challenges faced by investors in the SDA market, including vacancy rates, financial stress, and the risk of bankruptcy.

• Potential strategies for converting vacant SDA homes into suitable housing for vulnerable groups, bridging the gap between housing supply and demand.

• How the current housing market affects long-term outcomes for people in need, including mental health, stability, and well-being.

• The role of social housing providers, government agencies, and private investors in developing innovative solutions that meet the housing needs of vulnerable populations while securing the financial sustainability of SDA homes.

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This session aims to provide actionable insights into addressing these urgent challenges, offering a platform for collaboration between housing providers, investors, policymakers, and advocates to ensure that underutilised properties are repurposed effectively to serve the most vulnerable in society.

This presentation will explore the growing demand for in-home aged care, home modifications, and support services, as well as the expanding opportunities for Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and community housing services to meet these needs

The session will provide an overview of the key elements involved in delivering effective in-home care and modifications to support aging individuals, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs.

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Attendees will gain insights into the latest innovations in home modifications and how these solutions can enable older individuals and people with disabilities to remain in their homes safely and independently for longer.

The session will also explore the opportunities for SIL providers and community housing services to collaborate and expand their offerings, bridging the gap between traditional aged care and community-based support.

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Key topics covered will include:

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• The role of home modifications in supporting aging in place and improving quality of life.

• Best practices for integrating in-home care services with SIL and community housing models.

• Funding opportunities and financial models for home modifications and in-home care, including NDIS funding, government grants, and other financial support mechanisms.

• How SIL providers and community housing services can leverage these funding models to expand their services and enhance support for clients.

• Case studies demonstrating successful integration of in-home care, modifications, and SIL services.

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The session will also provide valuable insights into navigating the complexities of funding and regulatory frameworks, including understanding the eligibility criteria for accessing NDIS funding and government grants.

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This presentation is ideal for aged care providers, SIL providers, community housing services, healthcare professionals, and policymakers who are focused on delivering holistic, sustainable, and high-quality care solutions for aging populations and individuals with disabilities. It will highlight how partnerships, funding, and innovative models of care can drive meaningful improvements in the lives of vulnerable individuals.

Break 

As Australia strives to meet its climate goals, energy efficiency has become a key focus within social impact housing. This presentation will explore how adopting innovative technologies and sustainable building solutions can not only help social housing providers meet net-zero emissions targets but also save valuable resources for residents and the broader community.

Focusing on the role of energy-efficient systems, renewable energy integration, and environmentally sustainable construction methods, this session will highlight the financial benefits for social housing providers and residents. By reducing energy consumption, lowering utility costs, and enhancing long-term building durability, these solutions create significant cost savings while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of housing projects.

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Key areas of discussion will include:

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1. Technology Innovations: Exploring the role of smart home systems, solar energy, energy storage, and high-performance insulation in reducing energy usage and improving efficiency.

2. Sustainable Building Solutions: A look into the benefits of using sustainable materials, modular construction, and energy-efficient designs in both new builds and retrofits of existing social housing properties.

3. Cost Savings for Social Housing Providers: The financial benefits of energy efficiency for both housing providers and residents, including lower operational costs, reduced energy bills, and long-term savings on maintenance and repairs.

4. Government Incentives and Funding: How energy-efficient projects in social housing are eligible for government funding, grants, and tax incentives, allowing providers to offset some of the upfront costs of implementing green technologies.

5. Improving Housing Accessibility: A look at how energy-efficient housing can enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly for vulnerable populations, by creating safer, more comfortable, and affordable living environments.

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This session is designed for social housing providers, investors, policy-makers, architects, and sustainability experts who want to explore the future of energy-efficient housing, its impact on social housing outcomes, and how these innovations are advancing both environmental and economic sustainability.

By the end of the session, attendees will understand the multiple layers of benefits—financial, environmental, and social—resulting from the integration of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building practices into social impact housing.

This session will focus on designing impact housing and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that is not only suited to current needs but is adaptable to meet the evolving demands of future generations. As the population grows and diversifies, so too does the need for housing solutions that can accommodate a wide range of abilities, medical needs, and social circumstances.

Panelists and experts will explore how forward-thinking design principles can shape homes that are accessible, flexible, and sustainable. From integrating universal design elements to incorporating emerging technologies and smart home innovations, this session will delve into the key considerations for creating housing that adapts to the changing needs of residents, particularly those with disabilities or facing other barriers to housing stability.

The discussion will cover a wide array of topics, from the integration of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies to ensuring that homes are equipped to accommodate future healthcare advancements, assistive devices, and aging-in-place solutions. The role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), government policies, and funding mechanisms will also be explored in ensuring that the next generation of SDA and impact housing can be both future-proof and economically viable.

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Key Topics Covered:

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1. Universal Design Principles:
   How to incorporate flexible design features that can easily accommodate future needs, such as accessible kitchens, bathrooms, and mobility aids. This will ensure that homes remain adaptable to changes in the health or circumstances of residents.

2. Incorporating Technology and Smart Home Features:
   Exploring the integration of assistive technologies, smart home devices, and automation to improve the quality of life for residents and caregivers. This includes features like voice-activated systems, remote health monitoring, and smart appliances to support independence.

3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
   Designing homes that are not only accessible but also environmentally sustainable. Discussion will include energy-efficient building materials, solar power, and water-saving technologies to reduce environmental impact while maintaining cost-efficiency for residents and providers.

4. Collaboration between Stakeholders:
   Exploring the importance of collaboration between architects, housing providers, policy makers, and the disability community to design homes that reflect the real, evolving needs of residents. This will also touch on the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation in housing design.

5. Community and Social Impact - Discussing how these future-ready designs can promote a sense of community, reduce isolation, and support integration with the wider neighbourhood, ensuring that residents not only have a home but also an active role in their community.

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Who should attend:

• Housing Designers and Architects

• Disability Service Providers and SIL Providers

• NDIS Coordinators and Housing Advocates

• Developers and Investors in Impact Housing

• Healthcare Providers and Assistive Technology Experts

Learning Outcomes:

• Attendees will gain an understanding of how to create housing that is adaptable to the changing needs of residents over time.

• The session will provide insights into the latest trends in technology, sustainability, and smart home design for impact housing and SDA.

• Attendees will learn about funding opportunities and policies that can support the development of future-proof housing.

• Participants will leave with practical ideas for incorporating flexibility, sustainability, and technology into their housing projects.

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This session is essential for professionals involved in the design, development, and management of SDA and impact housing who want to create homes that will serve their residents’ needs for decades to come.

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Q & A and close