Build for Life

Overview of Accessible Housing

Aging baby boomers and the growing acceptance that people have diverse physical and mental abilities have stimulated international interest in accessible and universal design.

Almost twenty percent of Australians have a long-term disability. As the Australian population ages, this percentage will increase. Most people with a disability experience some restriction in relation to their core activities of personal care, schooling and employment. However, most are able to live in their own home and retain their independence. Family and friends are their main carers.

The picture is one of people with disabilities and the elderly, living independently and with the support of families in their communities. In this scenario accessible environments must be developed.

Our understanding of these issues as a society is changing. Instead of thinking of access issue being relevant to someone else who uses a wheelchair, we are thinking more broadly and personally. We are now thinking in terms of universal access -providing access for all people irrespective of ability.
What is Build for Life?

An accessible home is about freedom - freedom to move about with ease and confidence, knowing that regardless of our circumstances we will have access to the spaces 'we call home'.

Too often our homes are not equipped for changing needs, from raising small children, to welcoming or looking after ageing parents, to recovering from a sporting injury and needing to use crutches or simply finding that the stairs are steeper than they used to be.

Designing an accessible home will not only produce a sustainable home but one you could live in comfortably for a lifetime.

This could not be more relevant than now. As our demographics continue to change, we need to find better ways to design and construct our homes to allow us better access for the future.
What can Equal Access offer?

Equal Access has extensive experience in supporting Architects, Designers and Government Departments with designing accessible/Adaptable Homes.

From small unit developments through to multi level developments we provide guidance throughout the entire design and documentation phases of a project to ensure at handover compliance with all statutory standards is maintained.

What is Accessible Housing?

Accessible homes are convenient and easy to visit and live in for all people, regardless of their level of mobility, They have features such as stepless entries and wider doorways,

Who needs Accessible Housing

The potential market for accessible homes is large. More than 20 per cent of Victorians are aged 50-plus, have a disability or are carers. They want well-designed homes that offer convenience and independence.

Home owners who want smart and practical design represent a significant marketing opportunity for home builders and designers. They range from empty nesters looking to downsize, to parents with children in pushers who find that wider doorways and stepless entries make life easier.

More people than you might imagine unexpectedly need accessible housing when using crutches or a wheelchair while recovering from a sports injury In Victoria more than 3,500 people are hospitalised each year as a result of fractures and other football injuries! while Australia-wide almost 22,000 people annually have orthopaedic knee surgery
 

Build For Life | Adaptable Houseing | Accessible Homes | Australian Standards AS4299 | AS 4299