Have a look through an accessible Kāinga Ora home in Palmerston North

Graeme Broderick, Regional Director Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū says three of the homes are wheelchair accessible, which means they have additional requirements to support customers living with a disability.

“For us, accessibility is about providing safe homes which enable our customers to live with independence, be able to invite whānau and friends to visit, and be part of the community they live in without barriers,” says Broderick.

Currently, there are 327 homes in Palmerston North that have at least one modification to improve accessibility.

So what makes an accessible home different from any other Kāinga Ora home?

“We include a range of design features to make the homes accessible, usable, adaptable and safe for our customers with varying mobility levels—particularly wheelchair users,” says Broderick.

He describes that the ramp, level entry access and wider doors and hallways of these homes make it easier for customers relying on a wheelchair or walker to move around. Electrical power points and light switches are installed at suitable heights for accessible needs.

Ovens with side opening doors are built into the kitchen at a suitable height for wheelchair access and the larger toe kick boards ensure that customers in a wheelchair can get close to the kitchen bench.

The wet area showers have accessible grabrails near the shower and toilet and easy level access for wheelchairs.

“Accessibility is about our customers living well in their homes and we are looking forward to help them settle into these new homes at Tamaraki Lane,” ends Broderick.

Watch this video where our Housing Support Manager Theresa takes you through one of the new accessible homes(external link).