DISABLED AIDS AND ADAPTATIONS

The Equality Act aims to end the discrimination that many disabled people face and it is now a legal requirement to make it easier for disabled people to rent property and for tenants to make disability-related adaptations, allowing them to continue living in their homes independently. I am able to provide social landlords with a complete project management service for the provision, tender and installation of suitable aids and adaptations – from minor to major – for those living with a disability within the social housing sector. I am also familiar with the British Standards Institute (BSI) ‘Design for the Mind’ guidelines for people that have conditions as dementia, autism, dyspraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, helping make an environment comfortable and improved for people who are neurodivergent.

Wet-rooms Commercial and Domestic

Safety is the most important component in a disabled wet room as well as many design considerations and strict building regulations if they are in a commercial setting such as BSI's 2009 BS8300 on building access. Adaptations can include creating level access shower room facilities, usage of non-slip materials, shower seats, pull-down shower heads and increasing door widths for easier access within the home.

Assessment for Various Adaptations and Costing

A disability assessment will provide you with a list of modifications that you should make to a property to ensure it offers an ‘inclusive environment’ to occupants and visitors and complies with disability access legislation. This can include a list of modifications within a property required because the occupant is disabled, as well as access to a residential or commercial building and/or communal areas.

I will draw up a list of proposals as to what alterations or works need to be done to a property to make it easy to navigate by disabled persons whether they be visually impaired, infirm, wheelchair bound, hard of hearing or otherwise. Typical adjustments include issues such as level access, ramps, tactile surfaces, and wheelchair accessible toilets.

Plans and Specification, Tendering and Project Management

I can inspect the property, plans, check structural elements, and make a recommendation as to whether the alteration is possible, advise necessary documentation and precautions to be taken and on compliance matters such as planning permission, building regulations consent etc. I can then submit disability proposals, prepare detailed specifications and technical drawings for adaptation works, arrange estimates to obtain competitive and comparative costs from contractors for the project. I can monitor work on site and carrying out post completion inspections to ensure works are completed to a high standard.

How I Can Help

I regularly get involved in major adaption schemes and am experienced in working with social landlords and in close co-operation with the occupational therapists. I can provide independent advice and perform a 'disability assessment’, considering the adaptations necessary/practical to assist persons with physical motion disabilities, to help you comply with building regulations and project manage from start to finish.  I am also a Disability Living Foundation Level 4 Trusted Assessor.