Access requirements and checklists

Q: I am an architect working on a project to design a home for a person with quadriplegia. Can you provide me with the details of some resources to help with specific dimensions to facilitate access in and around the home?

A: As your project involves designing a private home you do not have to comply with Australian Standards AS 1428 parts 1 and 2 but they are a good start for setting out dimensions and gradients etc to provide access. The standards are available from SAI Global or call 13 1242.

We have resources in our library which can help in the design of bathrooms and kitchens as well as other parts of a home. These include: Guide to Planning Bathrooms and Kitchens which is available on CD and is available from the Independent Living Centre NSW (CLICK HERE for details or call 1300 885 886); and Welcome: Design Ideas for Accessible Homes which covers accessible design for all rooms of a house and goes above and beyond the standards. The book is available from Building Commission Victoria, PO Box 536, Melbourne VIC 3001. CLICK HERE for more information or call 03 9285 6400.

Checklists can also be useful to make sure that as many accessible design features as possible are incorporated in your plans. Two examples of access checklists that we have found are: Development Control Plan: Design for Accessibility by the NSW Mid-western Regional Council (CLICK HERE to download) and the Access Resource Kit  by the Disability Services Commission of Western Australia (CLICK HERE to download).

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I’ve booked a flight but am worried about incontinence in the air. What can I do to avoid problems?

What insurance do I need for my wheelchair or scooter?

I am an architect working on a project to design a home for a person with quadriplegia. Can you provide me with the details of some resources to help with specific dimensions to facilitate access in and around the home?

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Are there any courses I can attend to enable me to become an Access Auditor?

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I'm a university student and am conducting a literature review on spinal cord injury and return to work. I am particularly interested in legislation on this issue. Can you provide me with any information on this topic?

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