A Guide To: Accessible Housing - Fact Sheet

A brain injury can result in an incredibly diverse range of physical and sensory disabilities, so even if you don’t need to move into supported accommodation you may not be able to stay where you are.

Depending upon your home it may be possible to modify the home or introduce what is known as “assistive technology” to overcome the obstacles that a physical or sensory disability can introduce.

Alternatively, you may be in the position to build from scratch, or you may just need to move and are faced with finding somewhere that is either suitable as it is or can be easily modified. And if you are renting, that can be even harder.

Thankfully, there are a range of options and information available to help you come to a decision, and to assist you no matter what decision you make.

Build from scratch

If you decide to design a house from scratch, it would be best to speak to an architect who is experienced in design for people with disabilities. You may be able to get a recommendation from an agency that works with home or equipment modifications. You can also access the Queensland Department of Housing website at http://www.housing.qld.gov.au/design/homeaccess/index.htm to find information on appropriate home modifications, such as the width of doorways and choosing appropriate fixtures, as well as loans to assist you with the process.

Start with what you’ve got

If you decide that modifying your current house will suit all your needs, you don’t have to go it alone. There is a wide range of modifications possible, including temporary or permanent ramps and stair-lifts, to adapt existing structures. You may not even need to make permanent modifications such as concreting over existing stairs to build a ramp.

Many of these modifications are available through the Home And Community Care (HACC) program for eligible frail older or disabled individuals. Contact the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 to discuss your needs.

An organisation called LifeTec Queensland also conducts assessments for people with a disability or physical impairment and recommends home modifications, appropriate furniture, suitable modified clothing, etc. Although they do not provide any products or modification services themselves, they can give you exact specifications and can put you in touch with a service provider who can offer you the most appropriate and cost-effective service. Free advice can be obtained by ringing 07 3552 9000 or 1300 885 886, or you can visit their website at http://www.lifetec.org.au. LifeTec conduct regular regional visits if you live outside Brisbane.

If you need assistance with communication, continence, daily living, mobility or medical or vision aids, contact the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) of Queensland Health. MASS offers eligible Queensland residents subsidy funding for the provision of aids and equipment that will assist people to live at home and avoid premature or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation – much like the way HACC helps access to in-home nursing or home modifications. The MASS website is at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/default.asp or they can be contacted via (07) 3250 8555. There are also offices in Cairns, Mackay and Townsville.

Finally, if you have plans for modified furniture or specific aids and need somebody to make it for you, Technical Aid for the Disabled Queensland (TADQ) links people with disabilities with a network of volunteer carpenters, engineers and other craftsmen who donate their time and skills and charge only for resources. TADQ will need to evaluate your request for suitability and the availability of a suitable volunteer. Their website is at http://www.technicalaidqld.org.au and there are similar organisations in other states around Australia.

Visiting LifeTec or contacting an Occupational Therapist for an assessment will give you a much clearer idea of what your options are.

Need to move?

A trial launched by the Queensland Department of Housing and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland in July 2007 identifies homes coming onto the market which have access features and are suitable for people with a physical disability. The words access features will appear in real estate sale or rental ad listings.

A list of participating real estate agents is also available from that website, so you’ll know who to ask.

Remember, if you are able to buy your own home (or sell up and buy a second done), all of the modifications listed above will still be available, although you may need to pay more depending upon your circumstances. If you are renting, you may not be able to make any modifications without a sympathetic and supportive landlord, but temporary structures should still be possible.

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