An issue identified by those involved in housing allocations was the management of children inclined to climb over balconies. This meant that access to outside space is locked. An alternative suggested in the guide is the provision of winter gardens.
Residents described difficulties related to processing sensory stimuli( auditory, olfactory, tactile and visual) that can cause anxiety and distress( see figure three).
Examples of layouts that can separate kitchen dining from living to address sensory intolerance to noise and odours from food preparation are given. Suggestions for integrated recessed beds to delineate bed spaces and provide retreat spaces in shared bedrooms are also included.
Lessons learnt
Together with being able to contribute our specialist experience from different perspectives, this project was an opportunity for knowledge exchange and new learning for all of us.
As occupational therapists we have a unique role to play in advising on the design of accessible and inclusive housing design. We bring our learning from working with people of all ages and abilities in their own homes.
To deliver homes that are fit for purpose this involves close collaboration with those involved in the planning design and construction process. We would like to thank the Newham Planning Policy Team, Claire Laurence, Ellie Kuper Thomas and Cinzia De Vincenciis, for taking the initiative to commission this project.
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Arksey H and O’ Malley L( 2005)‘ Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework’, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8( 1): 19-32. DOI: 10.1080 / 1364557032000119616.
HM Government( 2015) Approved Document M: Access to and use of dwellings: Volume 1: Dwellings( 2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments). Available at https:// bit. ly / 47SmInf [ accessed 29 August 2025 ].
Words MARNEY WALKER, Independent Occupational Therapist and specialist in accessible and inclusive housing design. Jan Healey and Marney Walker will present on this project at the OT Show on 26 November 2025
Specialist experience
Dr Rachel Russell is Senior Regional Advisor for Foundations, the national body for Home Improvement Agencies( HIAs), Handyperson Services and the Disabled Facilities Grant( DFG) in England.
She has had a long career in housing and social care, as well as academia. She has an MSc in Accessibility and Inclusive design. Her doctoral research concerned an analysis of the process involved in delivering home adaptations( Russell 2016).
Dr Jan Healey has combined experience in occupational therapy and human factors ergonomics, working with disabled adults and children advising on home adaptations, moving and handling and specialist equipment.
Her research analysed work systems in the delivery of home care.
Dr Marney Walker has combined experience in occupational therapy and design research and specialise in advising on the design of inclusive and accessible housing. Her research explored the expression of everyday aesthetic preferences in dementia through design( Walker 2025). Marney co-authored Adaptations without Delay with Rachel( RCOT 2019).
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Russell R( 2016) The development of a design and construction process protocol to support occupational therapists in delivering effective home modifications. University of Salford( UK).
Healey J( 2022) Systems resilience in home care for older adults: a human factors perspective. Doctoral dissertation, Loughborough University.
Walker M( 2025) Exploring the expression of everyday aesthetic preferences in dementia through design. Doctoral, Sheffield Hallam University [ Thesis ].
RCOT( 2019) Adaptations without delay: A guide to planning and delivering home adaptations differently. Available at https:// bit. ly / 45TwuTA [ accessed 28 August 2025 ].
16 OTnews September 2025