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Housing LIN > Resources > Topics > Design > Occupational Therapists input on the design of housing

Occupational Therapists: Helping to get the housing design right

Being able to advise on the design as early as possible is crucial to ensuring that housing can be planned to be as accessible and adaptable as possible.

A growing number of OTs have developed specialist expertise advising on the design of new build or refurbishment of housing with care. Below you will find key areas where their experience of how accessible design works for the customer can contribute.

Key Subjects

Getting our message across

Occupational therapists are a valuable resource, when involved early in new build or refurbishment projects. Consulting occupational therapists at the outset can be the most useful way to achieve the accessible design and adaptability to changing needs in the long term.

Inclusive housing design for complex needs

Occupational therapists can advise on how to prioritise and incorporate the best aspects of accessible design guidelines into new build and refurbishments.

Housing adaptations

Occupational therapists have specialist experience and knowledge of designing bespoke adaptations for individuals in their own homes.

Design evaluation methods

Working with residents using co-design approaches to development of design evaluation tools that can inform future schemes.

Good practice tips

Useful tools, and examples of spaces, products, and materials that work well to create attractive inclusive design in housing with care.

Advice and support

Are you a developer, architect or provider of housing for older people and/or people with a disability and require specialist advice on specific projects?

Key Resources

Adaptations Without Delay

This new RCOT report, written by the Housing LIN, is intended to be used by practitioners and organisations across the UK who may be contacted by disabled and older people and their families who are seeking advice or support with home adaptations

Age-friendly housing: Future design for older people

This essential RIBA publication, co-authored by Julia Park and Jeremy Porteus, investigates how we should approach the design of future housing for an ageing population.

Effective communication methods for Housing OTs

A summary of the strategies occupational therapists can use to communicate the reasoning for certain key design requirements in adaptations and specialist housing.

GenHOME project (RCOTSSH)

A project that aims to bring together and map out housing related research and evidence base around home modifications and housing design.

Creating homes that people would like to live in rather than have to live in: Is there a role for occupational therapists in the design of housing?

This Housing LIN Viewpoint no 85 explores the unique skill set that Occupational Therapists can bring to ensure that homes are accessible and adaptable to the changing needs of residents as they age

COTSSH Submission to Womens Select Committee on Disability Housing (DBE0076) (2016)

Providing an evidence base which supports the continued lack of accessible and adaptable housing

Adaptations Design Communications Toolkit

Recommendations for adaptations for wheelchair users, a useful tool to appraise room layouts.

Consultancy banner

Building on the Housing LIN’s learning and improvement ethos, we offer bespoke advice to help your organisation draw on the lessons highlighted on these pages. To find out how the Housing LIN can support your operational and/or strategic plans, please contact us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or visit our consultancy pages.