CCS backs up findings of CHRANZ housing report

22 May 2007

CCS backs up findings of CHRANZ housing report

CCS believes New Zealand housing does not meet the needs of disabled people or our ageing population and designers and builders need to act now, reinforcing the messages in the recently released Centre for Housing Research report.

“According to the report, many people of varying ages and degrees of mobility impairment live in houses that are not accessible or safe. Alterations are expensive and government funding is limited. New Zealanders are not prepared for the future increase in demand for accessible housing,” said Paul Gibson, CCS National Policy and Strategy Manager.

CCS believes many New Zealanders are forced to shift when they have young children and can’t invite friends, grandparents or people with mobility issues around because their home environment isn’t accessible for them.

“We know from overseas experience we can design and build homes today that are accessible, safe and visitable to just about everyone over their lifetime for a comparable cost.

CCS believes the government needs to incorporate accessible design features into the Building Code that is currently under review. It feels the government also needs to educate the building and design industries as well as the New Zealand public on the benefits of accessible design and provide incentives to ensure they begin to build housing for the future.

CCS uses the phrase "lifetime design" to describe design principles, concepts and standards that we have identified as being able to dramatically improve the usability, sustainability and adaptability of products such as residential housing, furniture, and household fixtures and fittings, which in turn will ultimately enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of the occupier and user.

For example, a Lifetime Design home is one that's been carefully and cleverly designed to be comfortable, safe and accessible for all. Over time, it can be adapted to the changing and often unexpected needs of individuals and families.

ENDS

CCS Background Information

CCS works in partnership with disabled people, their families and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of life and an environment that enhances full community integration and participation.

CCS exists to make a difference for disabled people, their families and whanau by removing barriers to inclusion and by offering support to disabled people to access all ordinary opportunities in their communities. Our community is made up of disabled people and their families and whanau, who live in Aotearoa New Zealand. We include all people who face barriers to inclusion on the basis of disability and who want to access the disability support services we provide.

Reflecting the commitment in the New Zealand Disability Strategy – Making A World of Difference Whakanui Oranga [Minister for Disability Issues April 2001], a key expectation of CCS work is that the New Zealand community grows its capacity to ensure that disabled people have the same rights, choices, opportunities and safeguards as other citizens.

CCS operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16 incorporated societies. We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities making us one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand. CCS works closely with other disability agencies to ensure we make best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector.

ENDS

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