Universal Design

Submitted by Lynn MacLaren on Thu, 21/10/2010 - 11:58
Question On Notice No. 2788 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 September 2010 by Hon Lynn Maclaren

Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Housing
Minister responding: Hon W.R. Marmion
Parliament: 38 Session: 1


Question
(1) What measures have been implemented, to ensure that greater numbers of houses are built in accordance with the principles of universal design, to accommodate people as they get older?
(2) Recently the Department of Housing transferred 26 houses to the Disability Services Commission to accommodate people with disabilities, -

(a) what were the costs of renovating these houses to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities; and

(b) how does this cost of renovation compare to building a new house, which meets universal design criteria?


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Answered on 19 October 2010




The Department of Housing advises:

(1) The Department requires social housing to be designed and constructed to assist persons with disabilities or elderly persons by including universal design features such as wider passages and door widths and, where topography of the land permits, level or ramped access to the houses.

Housing designed specifically for elderly or disabled persons include additional universal design features such as hobless showers, adjustable height shower roses, grip rails in wet areas, larger light switches installed at a lower height and lever handles on doors.

In addition the Department designs and constructs housing to specific needs of clients with special requirements.

(2) (a) There are no renovation costs associated with these properties. The clients that have been selected have intellectual disabilities and will not require modified dwellings.

(b) Not applicable.





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