Since moving into her brand-new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Hamlyn Terrace, Maree hasn’t stopped smiling.
Knock on her front door and you’ll be greeted with a bright, excited, “Welcome to my new home!” whether you’re a friend, a support worker, or even the plumber. The pride in her voice says everything. This isn’t just a new address. It’s a place that truly fits her life.
Living with Cerebral Palsy and using a wheelchair, Maree always dreamed of a home where accessibility didn’t mean compromise. The moment she first visited, she could picture herself there, moving easily through the space and choosing how she wanted to live each day. After many years as part of the Unisson community and trying different homes along the way, this move felt different. This one felt right. Even better, she made the move alongside her longtime housemate and friend, sharing the excitement of a fresh start together.
It quickly became her favourite home yet. Every corner has been designed around her needs and lifestyle, giving her greater autonomy and freedom in everyday life. In the kitchen, she now cooks with ease using an adjustable bench that lowers to the perfect height for her wheelchair. Cooking dinner, loading the dishwasher, even folding towels, everyday tasks that once felt difficult are now simple, satisfying wins.
“I’ve got more space now,” she says proudly. “I can fold my towels!”
It’s those small moments that mean the most.
The thoughtful design continues throughout the home. A pull-down clothing rack lets her choose outfits easily… perfect for someone who loves fashion and to dress up. The bedroom she picked faces the sunrise, filling the room with morning light she adores. Every detail makes daily life easier, calmer, and a lot more fun.
Life outside the home is just as full. Maree loves exploring new coffee spots, sharing meals with friends, and dancing the night away at her beloved Thursday disco nights. When the Newcastle Knights are playing, everything else pauses, especially when her favourite player, Kalyn Ponga, is on the field. And while she enjoys busy days out, she’s just as happy relaxing at home, soaking in the comfort of a space that finally feels like hers.
With the support of her Unisson team, Maree has built routines that give her confidence and freedom while staying connected to the people who matter most. Moving homes hasn’t meant leaving friendships behind. The team support Maree to stay in touch with her old housemates, including Alan, who recently visited. She beamed with pride as she showed him around, excited to share this new chapter with someone who knows her so well. The move may have changed her address, but it hasn’t changed her community!
She plans meals, cooks each night, and continues developing skills that help her live life on her terms. There’s a calm assurance in the way she talks about her day, not as someone adjusting to a new place, but as someone who truly belongs there.
She’s already dreaming about what comes next.
“I love dogs,” she says with a smile. “I want a companion dog.”
With encouragement and person-centred support from her team, she’s slowly building the routines and skills needed to care for a pet.
Maree’s story shows what’s possible when a home is designed around the person and their needs, not the other way around. With the right environment and the right supports, she’s not just living in a home, she’s living a life that feels full and joyful.
