Specialist Disability Housing

Improved liveability

Newly built or modified housing designed to improve ‘liveability’ by incorporating a reasonable level of physical access and enhanced provision for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. For example:

• design features such as luminance contrasts
• improved wayfinding and/or lines of sight depending on the needs of the participants

Fully accessible

Newly built or modified housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment. For example:

• external doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair
• bathroom vanity/hand basin to be accessible in seated or standing position
• Power supply to doors and windows (blinds) for retrofit of automation

Robust

Newly built or modified housing that has been designed to be very resilient and incorporate a high level of physical access provision. This reduces the likelihood of reactive maintenance and risk to the participant and the community. For example:

• High-impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures (e.g. blinds, door handles)
• secure windows, doors and external areas
• appropriate sound proofing if residents are likely to cause significant noise disturbances
• laminated glass
• Safe areas where staff and other residents can go to avoid harm if required

High physical support

Housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment and requiring very high levels of support. For example:

• External doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair
• 950mm minimum clear opening width doors to all habitable rooms
• Structural provision for ceiling hoists
• Assistive technology ready
• Specialised heating/cooling and household communication technology (e.g. video or intercom systems)
• Bathroom vanity/hand basin to be accessible in seated or standing position
• Emergency power solutions to cater for a minimum two-hour outage where the welfare of participants is at risk
• Power supply to doors and windows (blinds) for retrofit of automation as necessary
• Consideration given to whether it is appropriate for the kitchen sink, cooktop, meal preparation bench area and key appliances (dishwasher, oven, microwave oven, laundry appliances) to be accessible in seated or standing position