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Key Considerations for Disability Housing Design

If you're in the market for disability-friendly housing, here are some key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating properties:

24/01/2025

Finding the right home is always an important and life-changing decision, but for people with disabilities, the process comes with additional challenges.

Whether you're looking to rent or purchase a home, accessibility and safety become top priorities. It’s essential to ensure the property meets both your physical and emotional needs, providing comfort and independence.

1. Accessibility Features

The most important factor in disability housing is accessibility. The home should be purpose-built or adapted to ensure that individuals with mobility, vision, or hearing impairments can navigate it comfortably and safely.
Here are the key features to look for:

Wide Doorways and Hallways: One of the most important features for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters is wider doorways and hallways.

Standard door widths are often too narrow to accommodate mobility aids, which can restrict movement and create barriers to independence. To ensure ease of access, doorways should be at least 32 inches wide, though 36 inches is the ideal width for optimal manoeuvrability.

Wider hallways are also essential, as they allow individuals to navigate through different rooms more easily, especially when using mobility devices. This is not only key for entering and exiting rooms, but also for turning corners and accessing different areas of the home without restriction.

Furthermore, where possible, open floor plans should be considered, as such layouts can reduce obstacles and improve overall accessibility throughout the home.
Ramps and Entryways: Stairs can present significant challenges for individuals with mobility impairments, so ramps are essential for providing easy access into the home.

Ideally, the property should feature a gently sloped ramp or have a main entry at ground level, allowing for smooth and safe entry without the need for assistance. Ramps should be built with sturdy materials and proper safety features, such as handrails and non-slip surfaces, to prevent accidents during wet or icy conditions. Safety ramps can significantly improve mobility and independence, making it much easier to enter and exit the home on a daily basis.

If the home has stairs, check whether an elevator or chair lift is already in place, or whether one can be easily installed to provide convenient access to upper levels.
Accessible Bathroom and Kitchen: Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most important areas in the home to consider when it comes to accessibility.

For individuals using mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers, bathrooms and kitchens need to be spacious enough to allow for easy movement and safe navigation.

In bathrooms, look for features such as roll-in or walk-in showers with a low threshold, which eliminate the need to step over a tub or raised edge.

Grab bars should be strategically placed in the shower, near the toilet, and alongside sinks to provide stability and prevent falls. Toilets should be at an appropriate height for shifting from a wheelchair, with sufficient space around them to manoeuvre comfortably.

In kitchens, counter height is another key consideration. Look for counters that are adjustable or are set lower to make them accessible for people in wheelchairs. Sinks should be shallow and mounted at a height that allows someone seated to use them easily, while faucets should be lever-operated for ease of use. Furthermore, aisles between kitchen islands or cabinets should be wide enough to to accommodate mobility devices.

Also, check whether the cabinets and storage spaces have been adapted to make them easier to access. Pull-out shelves, lower-mounted drawers, and open shelving can all make it simpler to reach necessary items without bending or stretching.

Consider whether appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers are designed with accessibility in mind – some may have controls at reachable heights or be positioned in ways that minimise bending and twisting.

If such features have not been incorporated, it’s important to assess whether the necessary modifications can be made relatively easily and cost-effectively.
Clear Pathways: Ensure the interior of the home has clear, unobstructed pathways. Clutter-free spaces allow for easy navigation, whether you're using a mobility device or walking with assistance.

2. Safety Features

The safety of a home is another top priority. For those with disabilities, everyday tasks can present hazards, so it’s essential that the home is designed or adapted to minimise the risk of injury.

Non-Slip Flooring: Slippery floors are a major safety concern, particularly in high-risk areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

Smooth surfaces such as tiles, hardwood, or even polished concrete can pose a threat, especially when wet. To reduce the risk of falls, install non-slip flooring options such as textured tiles, rubberised flooring, or anti-slip vinyl.

It’s also important to ensure that transitions between different flooring types, such as between rooms or from wet to dry areas, are smooth to avoid tripping hazards.
Fire Safety: Fire safety is a critical consideration in any home, but for individuals with disabilities, it becomes even more important.

Start by checking that the home is equipped with fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are functioning properly. For individuals who have hearing impairments, the home should have visual fire alarms, such as strobe lights, or vibrating alarms that provide a warning in case of fire or carbon monoxide detection.

In addition to alarms, ensure that emergency exits are easily accessible, with wide doorways and minimal obstructions. Consider whether the exit routes are clear and easy to navigate in case of an emergency evacuation. If the home is multi-level, verify that there is an accessible elevator or a lift to ensure that everyone can exit safely, regardless of their mobility.
Emergency Response Systems: In homes where individuals may be at an increased risk of falls, medical emergencies, or other health-related issues, personal emergency response systems (PERS) are an invaluable safety feature.

These systems allow residents to quickly contact medical professionals, caregivers, or emergency responders with the push of a button. PERS can be worn as pendants, bracelets, or integrated into the home’s other smart features, such as automatic lights or smart door locks – providing an additional level of convenience and safety.

For individuals with disabilities, having a system that is easily accessible and intuitive to use is essential.

3. Location and Transportation

The location of a home is usually the most crucial factor in determining the overall appeal of a home. Being close to essential services and public transportation options can provide independence and make life much easier, especially for those living with a disability.

Proximity to Healthcare Facilities: Living close to medical centres, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities is particularly important for people who require ongoing medical assistance.
Public Transportation Access: For individuals who can’t drive, being near accessible public transportation options is crucial. Look for homes near bus stops or train stations that offer accessible services for individuals with disabilities.
Disability-Friendly Neighbourhood: Look for a walkable neighbourhood with sidewalks and pedestrian crossings that are disability-friendly. This is a key consideration for those who like to get around independently either foot or with mobility devices. Ensure that the streets are well-lit, and the terrain is even to avoid falls or accidents.

4. Affordability and Financial Assistance

For many individuals with disabilities, affordability is an important consideration when looking for housing. The cost of a home or rental can be a barrier, but there are resources available to help.

Housing Assistance Programs: Most governments offer financial aid or subsidies to individuals with disabilities. For example, the National Insurance Disability Scheme provides funding for eligible participants to access various services, including NDIS housing rental, home modifications and a range of home care support services.
Tax Incentives: In some cases, homebuyers may be eligible for tax credits or other incentives to modify their homes for accessibility. Be sure to research what is available in your area.
Insurance Coverage: Some insurance policies cover home modifications for people with disabilities. It's worth checking with your insurer to see if they offer coverage for ramps, grab bars, or other necessary adaptations.

5. Legal Rights and Protections

It’s crucial to be aware of the legal protections available to individuals with disabilities when renting or buying a home.

In Australia, for example, people with disabilities are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which gives them the right to request reasonable adjustments or modifications to make a home more accessible. This includes changes to rental properties or homes for sale to accommodate the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodations: If a property doesn’t have a feature you need, you can request modifications, such as installing a ramp or lowering kitchen counters, at your own expense (or in some cases, at the landlord’s expense).
Non-Discrimination: Landlords and sellers cannot discriminate based on disability.

6. Community and Support Services

For many individuals with disabilities, the community surrounding their home is an essential factor in their overall well-being. Look for properties that are near:

Support Services: Access to community support services, such as therapy, social workers, or vocational training, can be a key component of a person’s care plan.
Social Engagement: Proximity to recreational centres, support groups, or community centres where individuals can engage with others is important for emotional and social health.

Finding a disability-friendly home requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you’re renting or buying, the ideal property should prioritise accessibility, safety, and convenience.
By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can find a home that not only meets your physical needs but also supports your lifestyle and personal goals.

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