The third edition of Habinteg’s Wheelchair Housing Design Guide is published this week (12 February 2018). The guide is the product of a partnership between Habinteg and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Housing (RCOTSS-Housing) and is published by respected architectural content experts, RIBA.
This third edition of the guide has been authored by experts from the Centre for Accessible Environments and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Housing. It has been specifically designed to complement the 2015 Building Regulations, giving practical guidance on implementation of Approved Document M4 Category 3 – the wheelchair accessible standard.
The Wheelchair Housing Design Guide is priced at £35 and will be of particular use to housebuilders, architects and occupational therapists, as an informative guide to inspire best practice throughout the sector. Following its 1997 and 2006 editions the new 136pp volume is an essential update, and aims to encourage professionals to consider the holistic impacts of accessible housing during all stages of the design process.
In the Foreword, Habinteg Vice-Chair Andrew Gibson says:
“As Vice Chair of Habinteg and a wheelchair user myself I have seen first-hand the difference that well-designed wheelchair accessible housing can make. There is a growing need for wheelchair accessible housing, and high-quality design is important across the spectrum. The benefits to the individuals and families are invaluable, whatever the tenure.”
Gill Owen-John, Chair of RCOTSS-Housing (2012-2016) said:
“RCOTSS-Housing have a long association with Habinteg and we share their philosophy that high-quality accessible housing changes lives for the better. RCOTSS-Housing is delighted to have been able to provide their support and expertise to co-produce this very informative and detailed publication, which will be an invaluable reference point for professionals working to design and build homes which will enable wheelchair users to live life to the full.”
Julie Fleck OBE, MRTPI, Strategic Access and Inclusive Design Adviser / BEPE Project Lead said:
“The Wheelchair Housing Design Guide should be essential reading for any architect, designer, planner or surveyor – whether a student or in practice. The clear explanations and the reasoning behind the technical standards will help practitioners gain a better understanding of how to maximise the independence of residents – and will be particularly useful to those who wish to go beyond basic minimum standards and help create inclusive and cohesive communities.
Our future depends on an equal and fair society – the provision of more accessible homes is fundamental to achieving this.”
Habinteg recognises that accessible homes change lives, and are committed to demonstrating and sharing best practice in regards to access and inclusion. Habinteg’s technical consultancy team, CAE, provide an expert training and advisory service which is utilised by planners, local authorities and access professionals alike.
The guide is dedicated to the memory of the late Sir Bert Massie, former Habinteg tenant and Board member and Chair of the Disability Rights Commission, who lent his voice so willingly to the call for more accessible homes.
To order the guide, go to www.habinteg.org/WHDG3.
To book onto CAE’s Wheelchair Accessible Housing course, taking place on Wednesday 14 March, visit our training page.
