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Access Consultancy

Finding a local accredited Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessor in the Far North is nearly impossible.

The Building Approval Company offers a full range of Access Consulting services including Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessment.  We can supply local, practical advice to assist our clients achieve cost effective disability access compliance. We can help if you want to build Specialist Disability Accommodation in North and Far North Queensland.

Access Consultant and Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessor, Troy Richardson has completed a high level of training to identify potential accessibility issues.  He can advise you of your legal obligations and the new building code requirements. This knowledge is combined with nearly 30 years’ experience as a Building Certifier/Chartered Surveyor. This means he interprets the construction code to provide workable solutions for clients ensuring they meet Australian Standards for access.

In his role as an Access Consultant and Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessor, Troy has a high level of understanding of the needs of people with disability (which go well beyond providing wheelchair access ramps) and how to meet these needs in the built environment. He is passionate about providing the right solution in the right environment and ensuring access for all.

Do you want to build specialist disability accommodation under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?

If you plan to design and build NDIS accessible accommodation that meet the requirements of Specialist Disability Accommodation and can be funded under the NDIS then talk to us. Our Specialist Disability Accommodation Assessor will provide qualified advice and ensure you comply with NDIS and NCC rules. The design requirement for newly built Specialist Disability Accommodation under the NDIS falls into four main categories:

  • Improved Liveability
  • Fully Accessible
  • Robust
  • High Physical Support
There is a minimum design requirement for each category to reach for NDIS SDA Design Standards. In addition, all Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings must: be designed and maintained to a standard that is consistent with the surrounding properties and neighbourhood; recognise the importance of outdoor areas; be built on land that is an adequate size for the number of residents and meet the National Construction Code (NCC).
Working with us means you have an Access Consultant with over 20 years’ experience interpreting the NCC and providing workable solutions to clients from planning stages to final build.

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Our Services

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Our Specialist Disability Access Consultant can help if you want to get NDIS funding to build Specialist Disability Housing and ensure eligibility. NDIS funding can be provided for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and is used to provide homes for those with high support needs or extreme functional impairment. We can review your architectural drawings, building design documentation and specifications to ensure it meets the SDA Design Category required for NDIS funding.

Disability Access Audit and Due Diligence Reports

We can provide a full disability access audit which can help you ensure your building and business are meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and providing non-discriminatory access for all. Our audit reports are simple to follow, and solutions focused for all property types including residential, commercial, industrial, aged care, healthcare and retail.

Adaptable Housing Assessment

An adaptable house is designed to be able to meet the changing needs of its occupants during their lifetime. Adaptable housing is identified by a quality mark accreditation and will have several specialist internal and external design features. Our Adaptable Housing Assessment will provide you with the details you need to design, construct, adapt and future proof your most important asset.

Design Review

It is best to engage Troy at the outset to ensure your projects meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and are fully DDA accessible from the outset. We can offer a design review from concept stages to ensure the appropriate design of access ramps and stairways as well as space for corridors and paths. We also provide a review during design development to ensure the details of the project comply and a final review at construction/tender to ensure all access requirements are considered.

Performance Solutions

A performance solution can help demonstrate compliance to the relevant performance requirements where the project varies from the deemed-to-satisfy provisions. It can often enable cost savings through design to suit specific needs and provide flexibility for owners where the standards may need to be varied. Our Specialist Disability Consultant, Troy Richardson, has experience in performance-based solutions for the built environment that comply with building codes.

Refurbishment and Fitouts Review

All new work to a commercial office, or place of business, must meet the National Construction Code (NCC) and comply with AS1428.1-2009 design for access and mobility. We can review plans to ensure standards are met and provide practical, cost-effective solutions to allow the refurbishment to meet regulatory requirements.

Site Compliance Audits

A site inspection, during construction, will provide a level of security ensuring the building has been constructed correctly and avoid unnecessary hold ups later.