Page 3713 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 21 November 2006
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The disabled modification program provides improvements for disabled and aged tenants. This ranges from minor alterations such as grab-rails and lever handles to major upgrades of kitchens and bathrooms and the provision of access ramps. As well, COTA ACT, with support from the ACT government, provides advice to homeowners on mobility improvement for their homes.
Housing ACT is continuously refining the process of planning and delivering disabled modifications. This means that more modifications are being undertaken with available funds. For example, in 2005-06, 605 modifications were undertaken, compared with 531 in 2002-03.
Maintaining physical activity is a critical factor in maintaining mobility. The actively ageing framework, as developed by Sport and Recreation ACT, aims to increase the participation of older people in physical activity and has been designed with the involvement of key stakeholders and other interested sections of the community to support the actively ageing framework.
The government has also published information about local activities that are suited to the needs of older people. The Actively Ageing Steering Committee held a planning day in September titled “Older, bolder, stronger and living longer” to assess the success of the framework. It is expected to start preparing a new framework in January 2007.
Being physically active also helps reduce the effects of ageing, such as limited mobility, balance, flexibility and muscle strength. It can also decrease the risk of heart problems and other chronic diseases. The government has long recognised the barriers experienced by some older Canberrans caused by financial, cultural, distance or mobility factors that make access particularly difficult.
We know that some of these factors can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalisation. The government has taken care to ensure the facilities for older Canberrans, like seniors clubs, are within easy access to bus stops for those members who are able to travel by bus, and the government has provided a range of options for those who are unable to do so. The government makes available mobility parking permits which enable people with mobility disabilities to park for free in territory-controlled pay-parking spaces, including on-street spaces. In addition, there is the ACT taxi subsidy scheme for those with a range of disabilities who cannot use public transport.
In August 2003, the ACT Planning and Land Authority adopted the ACT planning guidelines for access and mobility which aim to ensure that all members of the community have unimpeded access to buildings, services and facilities located on land in the ACT. The guidelines apply to all buildings that require public accessibility and are matters that the authority must take into consideration when assessing development applications. This includes new developments, major alterations or extensions to existing buildings and outdoor areas.
The guidelines include a requirement that 10 per cent of all dwellings in any multiunit housing development consisting of 10 or more dwellings must be designed to meet relevant standards for adaptable housing. Adaptable housing is specifically designed to enable easy modification. It recognises the diverse needs of the community, particularly
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