Wheelchair Housing

2.9  Standard Wheelchair Housing is provided and designed for people who need a wheelchair for day to day mobility and require the larger areas and circulation areas afforded by these accommodation types. Standard wheelchair housing is normally provided in self-contained bungalow or flat (ground floor flat or flat served with a lift) form, but can also be provided in suitable self-contained house or ‘shared’ housing form.  Where full wheelchair provision is incorporated on the ground floor in 2-storey housing, the first floor level does not need to be designed for wheelchair use or access. The minimum standards of any special design features for Wheelchair Housing that must be applied are noted in detail in Specific Wheelchair Housing Design Standards.

Where Wheelchair Housing is for known specific tenants, it is essential that particular needs are identified at the outset in association with the Community Occupational Therapist. This will help to ensure that current and future needs and appropriate design and care standards are considered in meeting those needs. Early liaison will help to determine the bespoke approaches that are required.  

See Table 2 below on OT support requirements.

The TCI Area/Cost Bands applicable to self-contained wheelchair accommodation are noted in the Table 2.

2.10  Reference - Reference should be made to the publication by, Stephen Thorpe and Habinteg Housing Association (2006) 'Wheelchair housing design guide - second edition'  ISBN 86081 8978