Specialist Disability Accommodation guide

Richard Martin, executive director of Apollo SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation), takes this approach with Specialist Disability Accommodation: “We’re giving people the opportunity to lead remarkably ordinary lives. Someone who’s living with a disability just wants to do what you and I do, without having difficulty doing the most basic of things.”

Richard and business partner Justin Goddard both have personal stories in the assisted living space. “I did my first specialist disability housing for my mother and Justin’s daughter lives with disability,” Richard says. “We’re passionate about delivering really good outcomes that I’d be happy for our family members to live in.”

Bunnings has partnered with suppliers to collate a range of modern, SDA-suitable products that are now easily sourced. “Seeing organisations like Bunnings bring products like this to market is really exciting,” Richard says.

Bunnings Trade has four packages available to help with your Specialist Disability Accommodation builds across all four of the Design Standards. These feature contemporary products that cover safety requirements for people living with disability, such as grab rails and accessible door hardware, as well as floor and wall coverings and home automation solutions. Richard talks us through the four assisted living packages.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Specialist Disability Accommodation package type: Improved Liveability

Designed for people with sensory, intellectual, physical or cognitive impairments.

Package benefits

● Clear and unobstructed pathways in dwellings
● Use of contrasting colours for better perception
● Tactile materials to help differentiate surfaces
● Appropriate fittings, such as electrical switches, or handles and locks, plus smart home accessories

Package focus

The goal is a safe and comfortable environment that aids the resident’s wellbeing and helps them to live unsupported, where possible. “Improved Liveability might be for someone who has hearing loss or visual constraints,” Richard says. “We remove barriers to entry, like the style of handle not being gripped easily, or not having colour contrast between frame and door.”

Things for tradies to keep in mind

Helping people with disabilities and their families navigate options is a big job and Richard has dedicated staff, which is a great tip for anyone moving into SDA work. “We have a role called a journey manager because it really is like going on a journey,” he says.

Specialist Disability Accommodation package type: Robust

Designed for people who need an environment that’s resilient to high impact behaviours.

Package benefits

● Use of inconspicuous materials that reduce risk of injury 
● Secure doors, walls and soundproofing
● Reduced stimuli, which may be beneficial for people with behavioural considerations

Package focus

As with all the packages, the Robust offering can be fully personalised, Richard says. “We have kitchens that are completely open plan; also semi-open kitchens, which might have a circular bench and be accessed so people can still be involved in food prep, but not hurt themselves on the hotplates; and fully closed kitchens that support staff use.”

Things for tradies to keep in mind

“Products need to be compliant with relevant Australian Standards,” Richard says. “That’s obviously things like electrical and plumbing, but there are also SDA guidelines for things, such as robust wall linings, which need to be more impact resistant.”

Specialist Disability Accommodation package type: Fully Accessible 

This package has been designed for people with significant physical impairments or very high support needs.

Package benefits

● Easy navigation, such as wide doorways, ramps and handrails
● Accessible bathroom facilities
● Adjustable kitchen benches and emergency call systems

Package focus

“There’s an array of new products, like door handles that have a lever action, and touch, fingerprint codes or swipe cards, too. There are some really interesting products being secured by Bunnings now that give us the opportunity to customise an individual’s home,” Richard shares.

Things for tradies to keep in mind

Fully Accessible (FA) and High Physical Support (HPS) are similar SDA Design Standards and are both built for people living with wheelchairs or hoists in their life. “Fully Accessible means that you don’t always need a hoist, so you won’t necessarily have rails and hoisting products,” Richard explains.

Want more information?

To find out more about our Specialist Disability Accommodation range, speak to your Account Manager, email us at sda@bunnings.com.au or call 134 TRADE (134 872). More information can also be found at apollosda.com.au.

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