A recent evidence review commissioned by the NDIS has shed light on what helps — and what holds back — people with disability when they transition out of group homes, institutional settings or residential aged care into more individualised and community-based living arrangements. The review, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, is part of a growing focus on giving people with disability greater choice, control and independence over where and how they live.

What the Review Examined

The research looked at more than 100 academic papers and reports on transitions from institutional or congregate settings to community living, supported accommodation or independent living. It also included studies exploring strategies that help prevent people from entering these congregate environments in the first place. The evidence spans two decades of research — offering insights into what works, and where gaps remain.

Positive Outcomes from Successful Transitions

The review found that when transitions are coordinated well, they can lead to meaningful improvements in wellbeing, independence and personal choice. People who move into more individualised living arrangements often experience enhanced quality of life, greater autonomy in daily routines, and better opportunities for community engagement.

Importantly, the research highlights that there is no single solution. Instead, successful transitions often require a combination of supports that work together to meet an individual’s unique needs.

What Helps: Enablers of Transition

Several key enablers were identified that support successful housing transitions:

• Person-centred planning: Putting the individual at the centre of decisions about where and how they live ensures that housing options reflect personal goals and preferences.
• Skills development programs: Helping people build daily living and independent living skills can make moving into new environments more sustainable.
• Access to specialised supports: Having appropriate disability supports and assistive technology in place makes individual living more feasible.
• Community connection initiatives: Programs that foster social connection, community participation and informal support networks can help people settle into new living situations.
• Flexible funding approaches: Early evidence suggests that more adaptable funding models can help participants tailor supports to their personal living arrangements.

These enablers reflect a broader understanding that shifts in living arrangements are not just about physical housing — they are about enabling meaningful participation and connection in community life.

Barriers That Limit Progress

Despite the benefits, the review also identified several barriers that can prevent or delay successful transitions:

• Shortage of affordable, accessible housing that supports independent living.
• Delay in accessing supports needed to prepare for a move, such as life skills development or assistive technologies.
• Community readiness challenges, where local attitudes, service systems or infrastructure are not conducive to inclusion.
• Limited formal and informal support networks that help individuals build relationships and feel connected in a new location.

These barriers point to the need for coordinated planning across housing, disability and community services to ensure people have the right supports at the right time.

Gaps and Future Research Needs

While the review brought together diverse sources of evidence, researchers noted that more work is needed to understand how different transition strategies interact and what works best for whom. Many studies used different measurement tools, making it difficult to compare results or draw definitive conclusions.

How the Findings Will Be Used

The NDIA says the review will inform ongoing work to improve home and living supports. This includes co-designing a new approach to home and living, updating operational guidelines, and creating decision guides and resources for staff and stakeholders. Further research will help shape future policies and supports so that more people with disability can live independently if they choose.