We all think that things are tough for us in strata.
But .... Boo Hoo!
There’s actually one group who do find things very hard in most strata schemes … people with disabilities.
That’s because unlike public buildings (where there are many prescriptions about facilities, access and services for disabled people) those things don’t apply to most residential buildings. Plus most developers don’t provision for that part of the market and very very few strata schemes retrofit either.
So, it can be very tough if you have a physical disability and live in a strata building.
From front step access, to lift use, movement around corridors and open areas to using swimming pools and spas, you can see the impediments almost everywhere in in most buildings.
But, some people are working to improve things.
One is the Independent Living Centre NSW is a leading information, education, and advisory centre for Assistive Technology and the Built Environment. They are a not-for-profit, community based organisation whose purpose is to inform people’s choices of assistive technology by providing impartial advice and information.
And, there’s a Linkedin Group that’s trying to raise awareness of the issue and get people to work together to improve things. I’m a member.
So, why not join too ?
And, if you have ideas or thoughts about this topic please let me know.
Francesco …
Posts
Our Company has assited in this regard in the past as Building Managers. We offer 24hr Emergency Call Service directly linked to us from Disabled Bathrooms in some of our Strata Schemes. We also managed disabled access facitilies to be built in a building where a lady would have been stuck in or out of her unit if the lifts broke down (which was common).
ReplyDeleteSince posting this today I've been contacted by Wayne Boyle who runs the Linkedin Group.
ReplyDeleteWayne also runs Australian Disabled Access Consultants - http://www.accessconsultants.com.au/index.html - who do existing building disability audit inspections and audit reports in addition to new design projects.
He also tells me that given the pending DDA and BCA changes coming in 2011 building owners and managers should protect their liability against potential disability discrimination claims by covering their duty of care with inpsection reports and upadting works timetables. We work Australia-wide and can assist your private and government clients.
Francesco ...