Housing association L&Q has created a disability steering group to push inclusive design that makes homes more accessible.
The disability development steering group is made up of experts and individuals with first-hand experience of disabilities, and is claimed to be the first of its kind established in the housing sector.
According to L&Q, the group will play a crucial role in shaping the homes and environments that the housing provider develops, focusing on essential elements such as streetscaping, landscaping, and level access.
Drawing on members’ lived experience, it will guide L&Q in creating, “as far as possible”, inclusive, barrier-free environments across its homes and public spaces.
The group’s approach will address a broad spectrum of disabilities, health problems and neurodiverse conditions, which L&Q says will ensure its designs serve the varied needs of its communities.
The scope of the group’s work will span from “high-level design concepts” to detailed elements, from installing wheelchair ramps to choosing appropriately coloured paving materials for people with dementia.
Gareth Powell, production director at L&Q, said: “With almost two million UK homes needing adaptations, L&Q is committed to ensuring inclusivity is at the heart of how we build. By designing with accessibility in mind, we’re not just addressing today’s needs – we’re anticipating those of tomorrow. This approach will benefit our residents and deliver long-term savings for public services like the NHS and local authorities.”
Inspired by L&Q’s staff disability network, Ability, the group will contribute to the design process from initial planning through to project completion, the organisation says. This initiative aims to ensure that emerging best practice about accessible spaces plays a part in driving the way its new homes are designed.
The group will also consider how future disabilities and degenerative conditions can be planned for too. This will include looking at aspects of kitchen and bathroom design, so that these spaces are easier to alter if the need arises.
Felix Lynn, chair of Ability, who spearheaded the initiative, said: “Our vision is to create spaces where everyone can live comfortably and independently. By making inclusive design a cornerstone of our developments, we’re paving the way for a more accessible and equitable future for all residents.”
Beyond housing, the group will also seek to ensure that L&Q’s offices include accessible features such as user-friendly lift buttons, visual aids and sensory rooms.
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