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Source: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Media release 13 July 2010 State regulation for housing accessibility
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke today congratulated the Federal Government for introducing a voluntary code to make housing more accessible for older people, parents and people with a disability.
Dr Szoke said that she would like to see the Victorian Government take a lead by introducing mandatory regulations so that new homes are accessible.
“A voluntary code is not enough, Victoria needs a minimum set of no-cost and low-cost requirements for new housing,” Dr Szoke said.
“There is a growing demand for older Victorians and people with a disability to remain living in their own homes.
“This means that there is a greater need for accessible, adaptable and universally designed accommodation options.
“Traditionally we have failed to ensure that most new dwellings are suitable for people with disability, despite the predicted rapid increase in the proportion of the population with disability over the next 40 years.
“More than one in five Victorians are aged over 60 and need assistance or are carers and this growing steadily.
“People can also unexpectedly need accessible housing when using crutches or a wheelchair while recovering from injury as well as parents with young children in prams.
“Narrow corridors, narrow doorways and steps leading to the entry of homes represent barriers for people who struggle with mobility.
“Poor design features can mean people cannot move around easily and increases the risk of injury.
“It is a basic human right for people to have a home environment they can move around in.
‘While a voluntary code is a good first step, mandatory housing regulation is long overdue despite the Victorian Government’s commitment to introduce regulation,” she said.
This should include:
- A clear pathway to a step-free, well-lit entry with access to street or car parking;
- Light switches, controls and handles located in easy-to-reach places for someone sitting or standing;
- Wide doorways and corridors that allow wheelchairs or prams;
- A bathroom and toilet on entry level; and
- A level-entry shower.
Media contact: Lisa Taylor on 0459 114 657.
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