Home Modifications Booklet SBH Queensland and Montrose Access Compiled by Belinda Harris and Linda Moylan Occupational Therapy students University of Queensland October 2004 2 DISCLAIMER This booklet is designed to provide general information about topics covered to assist interested parties. It is compiled from information written by the staff of SBH Queensland and Montrose Access, as well as from various publications by authors not related to the associations. Accordingly, whilst SBH Queensland and Montrose Access believe the information is the most accurate and up to date available, the organisations accept no responsibility for the information from other sources. Standards and government legislation are continually changing, as is the type of equipment available due to improvements in technology. Prices and contacts are current as at July 2004. Because costs change, prices are included as a guide only. Please use the contact numbers provided to obtain the most recent and up to date information. COPYING SBH Queensland and Montrose Access Material in this booklet may be reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Linda Moylan and Belinda Harris, occupational therapy students from the University of Queensland completed this booklet in July 2004. SBH Queensland and MontroseAccess – Home Modifications Booklet 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 5 PART 1: PUBLIC, COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE HOUSING ...................................................... 7 Department of Housing .................................................................................................................... 7 Department of Housing local area office contact details: ............................................................... 7 PUBLIC HOUSING ............................................................................................................................. 8 Public rental housing ....................................................................................................................... 8 Priority housing ............................................................................................................................... 8 COMMUNITY HOUSING ................................................................................................................ 10 Crisis accommodation ................................................................................................................... 10 Transitional accommodation ......................................................................................................... 10 Long term accommodation ............................................................................................................ 10 Tenant advice and advocacy service Qld ....................................................................................... 11 PRIVATE HOUSING ........................................................................................................................ 12 Private home ownership ................................................................................................................ 12 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) ................................................................................................ 12 Deposit Assistance Grant for People with Disabilities .................................................................. 13 Private rental accommodation ....................................................................................................... 13 Rent Assistance .............................................................................................................................. 14 Telephone allowance ..................................................................................................................... 14 Eligibility for Rent Assistance and Telephone Allowance ............................................................. 14 Bond Loans .................................................................................................................................... 14 Rental Grant .................................................................................................................................. 14 PART 2: SERVICES AND ORGANISATIONS ................................................................................ 16 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 16 Lifetec ............................................................................................................................................ 16 Home Assist Secure (HAS) ............................................................................................................. 17 Technical Aid to the Disabled Qld Inc (TADQ) ............................................................................. 18 Queensland Disability Housing Coalition (QDHC) ...................................................................... 18 Architects ....................................................................................................................................... 19 Small home modifications .............................................................................................................. 20 Large home modifications ............................................................................................................. 21 Building Services Authority Queensland ....................................................................................... 24 HACC home modification services ................................................................................................ 24 Home care ...................................................................................................................................... 25 PART 3: AREAS FOR MODIFICATION ......................................................................................... 26 Australian standards ...................................................................................................................... 26 Wheelchair dimensions .................................................................................................................. 26 EXTERNAL ACCESS ....................................................................................................................... 27 Driveway and kerbs ....................................................................................................................... 27 Garages and carports .................................................................................................................... 27 Pathways ........................................................................................................................................ 28 Ramps ............................................................................................................................................ 28 Portable ramps .............................................................................................................................. 29 Lifts ................................................................................................................................................ 29 INTERNAL ACCESS ........................................................................................................................ 31 Circulation space ........................................................................................................................... 31 Hallways ........................................................................................................................................ 31 Doors ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Door handles ................................................................................................................................. 32 Flooring ......................................................................................................................................... 33 Lighting .......................................................................................................................................... 34 Power Outlets and Light Switches ................................................................................................. 34 Telephone ....................................................................................................................................... 35 SBH Queensland and MontroseAccess – Home Modifications Booklet 4 Windows ......................................................................................................................................... 36 BATHROOM AND TOILET ............................................................................................................. 37 Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 37 Doors ............................................................................................................................................. 38 Walls and flooring ......................................................................................................................... 38 Shower recess ...............................................................................................................................