Melbourne Building Works is proud to be NDIS Disability and Accommodation Modifications specialist. From inception and design, onward, we work to collaborate with our clients, to achieve beauty, and functionality. And this is never more evident, than when working with our NDIS Partners, to create an efficient, physically appealing, but also effective and efficient, building.
Today’s post will focus on what a homeowner, shop-front retail business, and/or restaurant, can do to assist all people to have easy, and safe, access to, and within, the premises.
The states that almost 200,000 people use a wheelchair. This figure is based on permanent users, not those who may need to use a wheelchair during injury recovery. This number also does not include people who use walkers, or various walking aides, and/or individuals with other forms of mobility issues.
Our mobility is the key to independence.
There are simple things that can be done to improve the access, and enjoyment, of a building. Whether its a new build, or an upgrade of your current home or business, here are some considerations:
- Entry:
Having clear, safe, access to the entry is crucial, and for a business, it’s a requirement by law. By creating a safe flat surface, such as a concrete path, and adding RAMPS and/or PLATFORM STEPS, you’re offering entry to everyone. And don’t forget to make the paths wide enough to accommodate someone in a wheelchair.
- Doorways, Thresholds & Handles:
When building a new home, or renovating, most people don’t consider the width of a door, however, as anyone who has moved house will know, a narrow doorway poses issues. These same issues are faced by people in a wheelchair, daily. The recommended doorway with, for an average wheelchair to have safe access, is 850mm. If you’re building a new home or renovating, consider the width of the front door.
And don’t forget to consider the height of the door handles. Lower placed handles allow someone in a wheelchair to open, and close doors, without assistance.
Remember to check where doors sit when they are open too, if required, threshold ramps can be installed, to bridge the gap and allow for smooth and safe access.
- Hallways:
Hallways, like doorways, should be wide enough to allow easy movability, and ideally, allow for a wheelchair user to turn, if required. When in the design stage, consider potential current and future obstacles (furniture, artwork, possible storage and/or loading spots where boxes, equipment, bags, etc., may be left or stored), in addition to the width of the wheelchair and user.
- Flooring:
For those using various mobilities aides, hardwood, tiles, laminate, and other sturdy floorings are generally preferred. And while rugs add design style, and warmth, they can pose a safety hazard.
- Kitchen:
Everyone wants a large kitchen, however, for those with mobility issues, having adequate turning space, and sturdy surfaces is a priority, for their safety, and for the functionality of the space.
Additional necessary considerations are, lower bench heights, access to switches (light, power, exhaust fans), and easy opening draws and doors.
- Bathroom:
As with the kitchen, bathrooms must allow enough space to turn around comfortably. And, due to the combination of water, electricity, and heat, extra effort should be taken when planning, designing, and equipping bathrooms. ANTI-SCOLDING DEVICES need to be installed, as well as GRAB RAILS, and if required, CUT-DOWN BATHS. We recommend looking over our BATHROOM MODIFICATION page and contacting us HERE or call us on 1300 020 382 to discuss your needs.
Consider the height of sinks, benchtops, toilets, mirrors, power points and light switches. Standalone sinks, without cupboards underneath, allow wheelchair users close access to the basin.
As proud supporters and registered NDIS providers, we encourage anyone looking to build, or renovate their premises, to consider the benefits of installing products, devises, and materials, that are wheelchair and mobility-restricted, friendly. If you would like to know more, you can contact us via the website HERE, via email: info@melbournebuildingworks.com.au or call on 1300 020 382
You will also find our NDIS Complaints Policy document HERE