Design considerations to make housing accessible for all
In August 2014, OHAC provided a general list of the key design considerations for making a dwelling accessible for someone with a disability. The following are some additional considerations for making a dwelling accessible for someone with a disability.
- Security and safety: It is important to create an environment that encourages safe practices regarding cooking, the use of electrical equipment, answering the door etc. It is also very important to ensure the dwelling is secure and fitted with a security alarm. Security systems within dwelling now offer many options and enable people to control as many or as few devices as you want. For example security systems can be used to give your home a more lived-in look by randomly turning lights and devices such as TVs and stereos on and off.
- Equipment: It is important to ensure that all of the equipment in the house is fit for purpose. For example fire resistant furniture may be required and a specialised bed may be required for someone with mobility impairment. Ceiling track hoists or mobile hoist may also be required within the dwelling.
- Access to the garden: It is important to ensure that the garden is accessible as the garden can provide a therapeutic and learning experience for people with disabilities.
- Assistive Technologies: Assistive technologies are of great benefit to people a disabilities. Assistive technologies can include emergency alarms in the main bedroom and bathroom; environmental control systems; home automation systems and specialised equipment such as beds. it is important to note that devices originally designed for people with disabilities are found in every home. The remote control was originally developed to help people with limited mobility control their environment. Today remote controls are used by everyone.
- Heating and lighting: Lighting and heating systems should be designed to accommodate the user. For example, some people with disabilities need above-average temperatures for personal comfort and may be susceptible to a drop in temperature as they move through their home.
- Safe egress: Safe egress and the design and locations of emergency exits must be carefully considered in order to ensure that the person who has a disability can safely leave their house in an emergency situation. For example this might include the provision of an emergency exit from the main bedroom.
If you would like further information on making housing accessible for people with disabilities, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected]
