Summer Foundation

Summer Foundation We invest in identifying, designing and scaling better housing and living solutions for Australians with disability who need access to 24/7 support.

In 2006, the Summer Foundation was established to stop young people with disability being forced to live in aged care. We are changing systems to ensure people with disability and complex support needs live where and with whom they choose, with access to high quality housing and support options that enhance health, wellbeing and participation. As systems entrepreneurs, we use 5 levers to bring abo

ut change. Generating evidence such as published research and lived experience is a critical tool for this change, along with innovation through the co-design of new solutions and services. We work with government and influence people on the inside. Our advocacy work sees us apply pressure from the outside by harnessing public support. Where necessary, we use a legal lever and support people to fight for their rights. We develop practice guides, training materials and new models for government and non-government organisations to work together to resolve this issue. Many young people with a disability have shared their stories of living in a nursing home. You can view their stories on our website: http://www.summerfoundation.org.au

⏳ Just one day to go until the webinar 'Has the NDIS undermined social relationships for people with disability - and ho...
16/06/2026

⏳ Just one day to go until the webinar 'Has the NDIS undermined social relationships for people with disability - and how do we fix it?'

🌍 Come along and hear from US expert in belonging and inclusion, Dr Angela Amado, on the importance of natural and informal relationships for people with disability alongside paid support, and how systems can both enable and erode belonging.

💻 Free and online but bookings essential. 👉 Book at http://bit.ly/449ReG8

02/06/2026

Hear international expert Dr Angela Amado speak at our upcoming webinar In what ways has the NDIS undermined social relationships for people with disability — and how do we fix it?

This is your chance to challenge assumptions, hear fresh perspectives, and be part of shaping change.

Register now to secure your place.

https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/event-webinar-social-relationships-ndis/

Are we building real connection, or replacing it with paid support?Join internationally recognised inclusion expert Dr A...
12/05/2026

Are we building real connection, or replacing it with paid support?

Join internationally recognised inclusion expert Dr Angela Amado for a powerful 90-minute webinar on belonging, relationships, and the role of the NDIS.

Angela will be joined by a panel of sector leaders to explore practical ways to strengthen belonging for people with disability and build more inclusive communities.

This is your chance to challenge assumptions, hear fresh perspectives, and be part of shaping change.

Register now to secure your place.

https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/event-webinar-social-relationships-ndis/

Pressure is mounting on NSW and WA to adopt minimum accessibility standards for new housing after Treasury found that co...
04/05/2026

Pressure is mounting on NSW and WA to adopt minimum accessibility standards for new housing after Treasury found that consistent implementation of NCC is crucial to improve construction sector productivity.

Last week a report from Treasury emphasised the efficiency benefits when the National Construction Code is implemented consistently across the country. Yet NSW and WA are undermining this by dragging their heels on implementing the Livable Housing Design Standard. Not only are these jurisdictions continuing to build homes that aren’t fit for all Australians – they are also undermining an efficient and productive construction sector.

There’s no more time for delay. NSW and WA should commit to accessible homes for all Australians.

20/04/2026

What does it look like when people with disability choose to live together? 🏡 For these mates, who moved into an SDA house, it’s all about the comforts of home and laughs with friends. Welcome to Nick, Luke and Marty’s share house. 👋

Watch the full video at: http://bit.ly/4sCGidT

Today we’re releasing the final episode of the Summer Foundation’s Reasonable & Necessary podcast. Find out what's happe...
13/04/2026

Today we’re releasing the final episode of the Summer Foundation’s Reasonable & Necessary podcast.

Find out what's happening behind the scenes of the biggest changes to the NDIS.

In this final episode, Dr George Taleporos speaks with El Gibbs and Dougie Herd, Co-Chairs of the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee, to unpack what these reforms could mean for people with disability and their families.

They also talk about the importance of choice in housing and supports and the need for a specialist navigator role to help people explore and design arrangements that work for them.

As the podcast comes to a close, we thank Dr George Taleporos for his role as host and his contribution since 2018 and wish him all the best as he takes the podcast forward independently. ☀️

Don’t miss this final episode.🎙️ Links in the comments.👇

10/04/2026

Monday 13 April marks the final episode of Reasonable & Necessary as part of the Summer Foundation.

After more than nine years with the organisation, Dr George Taleporos is moving on to his next chapter.

Since launching the podcast in 2018, George has helped build it into a leading voice on the NDIS through his insight, curiosity and commitment.

We’re incredibly proud of what the podcast has achieved and deeply grateful for George’s contribution over the years.

The good news? George will continue the podcast as an independent project, with more important conversations ahead.

Tune in Monday for the final episode with us 🎧

Read our full statement in the comments below.

Address

Box Hill, VIC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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