Designers and Builders

Neurological disability is recognised in various equal rights and disability agreements internationally and nationally. The United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) is a global convention, and Australian national and state agreements and laws, such as the National Disability Strategy, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) and Disability Services Act 1993 (WA) are all examples of such regulations. Despite this, there is a lack of reference to neurological conditions and disabilities within best practice models and guidelines for accessibility within architectural design.

The main provision for disability access in the National Construction Code (NCC) refers to physical disability access, vision impairment and some specifications for auditory impairment. Furthermore, the recommendations under the voluntary Livable Housing Design (LHD) Guidelines for universal design and requirements for LHD accreditation also concentrates on physical access (Livable Housing Australia 2017). Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Rules 2016 under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) references the various levels of the Livable Housing Guidelines as part of their requirements for housing providers and the SDA Design Standard sets out the detailed design requirements for new builds, but there is no reference to housing design requirements or guidelines to cater for the specific needs of those with autism spectrum disorder or other neurological conditions.

As designers and architects, and builders how do you provide your clients with appropriately designed and built projects to exceed the standards currently legislated? No matter whether you are designing residential or commercial projects, an understanding of how the built environment affects those with sensory challenges, and how leading design practice can support those with autism, other neurological disabilities and people with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding how to design for neurodiversity means you can incorporate many features with no additional construction cost for your client. Depending on the type of building some solutions may need additional floor area to achieve.

To provide your clients with a custom solution, I can provide consulting services as part of your design team by providing initial input at the concept stage and working with you at critical stages of design and documentation, or if your project has already commenced I can provide you with a design review and recommendations to assist you moving forward.

My services are tailored to each project so please contact me to discuss yours in more detail. I am also happy to present the benefits to your client and staff or colleagues.

My Churchill Fellowship report provides a detailed overview of many of the factors on designing and building for autism, download a copy here.

Download Report

Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your clients’ needs further.

Email: shelly.dival@enablingspaces.com.au
Mobile: 0433 510 416

Offices: Toodyay and Subiaco by appointment.

Time zone: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)

Email: shelly.dival@enablingspaces.com.au
Mobile: 0433 510 416
Offices: Toodyay and Subiaco by appointment.
Time zone: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)