Behind the Urban Village Concept

The Inspiration behind the concept is not based on any religious or ideological group.  It is inspired by the experiences of families and friends living with and loving people with severe intellectual and other disabilities.

The Aim of the CLP Urban Village is to provide supported accommodation for people with significant intellectual and other disabilities, in a village-style setting, in an urban location in Canberra. It will be a community environment which can build upon the natural supports already established with family and friends, facilitating personal growth and independence, including work programs and lifestyle support.

The People represented by CLP will always need support to live their lives in the community. All have an intellectual disability with most needing significant help with communication, self care and daily living skills. The majority need help in developing and maintaining their social networks and few would be able to use public transport independently. Many have limited reading and writing skills and most do not have the ability to use sophisticated technology. A large number have health and/or medical problems, including seizures that require ongoing management.

The Supported Accommodation needed would depend on the abilities of the individual and the level of help and supervision they may need. This may include help with meals, cleaning, personal hygiene, safety checks, and monitoring or giving medication.  In the proposed Village, the aim is to provide assistance which supplements or collaborates with what the individual is able to do for themselves, promoting as much independence as possible.

The Village concept will be a small community of between 70 to 100 people, with a range of abilities and attributes, including some with mild disabilities and a number without disability. They will live in a variety of accommodation styles with a commercial centre of cafe, health care, gym and pool, in a landscaped setting, allowing residents to have easy access to the Canberra Community for meaningful work opportunities, social events and everyday interactions with the wider community. For more information, click here to download the CLP Urban Village Concept Plan.