Future interior designers from RMIT were given insights into the home design needs of people with disability when Jason Braden from the TAC’s Residential Independence (RIPL) project recently visited.

Future interior designers from RMIT were given insights into the home design needs of people with disability when Jason Braden from the TAC’s Residential Independence (RIPL) project recently visited.

See highlights on our YouTube page

Jason is a project manager in the RIPL project, overseeing the design and construction of units to meet the needs of those seriously injured in vehicle accidents.

The RIPL project addresses a statewide shortage of housing for people with disability. About 5,000 Victorians are seriously injured in transport accidents each year. Around 150 of them sustain spinal cord or severe acquired brain injuries.

RIPL units give more autonomy and a better quality of life to our clients who previously lived with carers in group homes or nursing homes. Through the use of assistive technology and accessible design, these clients regain independence and live safely in their own homes, with help from support staff and medical professionals brought in as needed.

Jason presented to RMIT interior design students to show them some of the accessibility features in the units. Among these are step-free entry into the home, wider doorways to cater for wheelchairs or motorised scooters and a hobless shower recess.

“The functionality required in a property is included in our design brief, so we’re quite prescriptive in telling the architect what we want to achieve” says Jason. “Within those expectations, the aesthetic side of the design is left to the individual architectural firm, so they have the freedom to create a design that best meets those requirements.”

Jason’s visit was instigated by RMIT lecturer and TAC client Andrea Giuradei, whose lived experience recovering from a serious accident is driving a new learning focus on accessible living. The event was held in partnership with his firm, Architectus.

"What the TAC is doing with RIPL is exceptional, a true source of inspiration from a number of different points of view,” Andrea said.

The completion of units in Wheelers Hill last October and Glenroy in May this year brought the number of RIPL developments to six, supporting 30 of our most seriously injured clients to live with greater independence. New developments are underway in Geelong and Bendigo.