Welcome - Design Ideas for Accessible Homes Prepared by the Building Commission in collaboration with leading government agencies and building industry organisations, Welcome is the most recent comprehensive Australian guide to designing accessible homes. Welcome is illustrated with drawings and photographs that show you how to improve access for any residential building project. It will appeal to building designers, home builders, access consultants and students. Welcome takes a fresh look at the way we design and build houses. It is a 140-page document that outlines ideas for improved access in and around a home for all people, irrespective of their age or mobility. It encourages people to make their homes or building projects more functional and more accessible to friends and family, thereby making everyone feel 'welcome'. Welcome goes through room-by-room offering helpful advise and tips. To make your home more accessible, you can: Avoid steps, especially at entrances. Have as many open spaces as possible - hallways, especially narrow corridors, can be hard to navigate . Install lighting strategically - good lighting enhances security and makes homes and paths more visible. Locate the garage close to the house with covered, level access - ensure the car space is large enough for a car and any other walking or transport equipment. Install a separate shower with level entry in a bathroom. Avoid sharp edges on the design of bench tops and cupboards. Use contrasting colours to assist people with impaired vision. Line up light switches with door handles to help people find the switch. Ensure door and cupboard handles allow for easy access. There is also advice on the most appropriate fences in terms of both their design and operation, mail boxes, garden beds, the most appropriate doors and handles. The suggestions in Welcome are illustrated with recommended dimensions and are based on Australian Standards.
Major sponsors of Welcome: Archicentre Australian Building Codes Board BRANZ City of Melbourne Department of Housing, Queensland Department of Housing and Works, Western Australia Department of Local Government and Regional Development, Western Australia Disability Services Commission, Western Australia Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Shire of Nillumbik, Victoria Office of Housing, Victoria Royal Australian Institute of Architects South Australian Housing Trust Sponsors of Welcome: Housing Industry Association Independent Living Centre Master Builders Association What people are saying about the book "I love it. It is about time a book like this came out. It is easy to read, user friendly and anyone can understand it. "I believe Welcome will make those in the building industry look at things differently. I think in the next five to 10 years the market will be demanding that their home be accessible, adaptable, universal and visitable. The population is getting older and 19% of the population has a disability. Change is becoming a commercial reality and Welcome will help the industry understand the need for change." Geoff Buck Licensed Estate Agent Special Needs Housing "As an architect who works with elderly people and those with disabilities, I see Welcome as a great idea in encouraging people to think about universal access. "It takes a holistic approach to the design of a home. Things such as wider doorways, more natural light, and under-bench space in kitchens, are not just beneficial to people with a disability - they make for generally better accessibility. "We need to get accessible and adaptable housing stock that allows people to stay in their own community, rather than having to move to special accommodation as their needs change. "The photographs in the book show that things are already happening without compromising good design. Stepless showers, for example, are very attractive yet highly practical for aged and disabled people. "People having a home built can show their builder Welcome to have some of the concepts incorporated as part of the original design of their new home." Bernadette Neville Archicentre "I think it is a really functional and practical book. It illustrates that practicality and design that makes homes more accessible doesn't have to compete with aesthetics. "It is timely that it has come out now, as the market is becoming more aware of universal design needs. People are looking for accessibility, whether it is a young mother handling young children and a pram, an older person or someone with a disability. I believe it will be appreciated by homeowners and the building industry. "Speaking as a person with a disability who is interested in how I can make my own home more functional, I think it is an excellent guide. It is quite comprehensive, including things such as lighting and types of windows. "It will be very useful to a lot of people." Keran Howe Chair Disability Advisory Council of Victoria

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Welcome can be purchased via the Online payments or by completing the  Publications order form (39KB). For queries about Welcome, email welcome@buildingcommission.com.au