Accessibility

2.Website accessibility

We aim to conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, the standard referenced by Australian government policy and by the Australian Human Rights Commission's World Wide Web Access advisory notes.

What we have done

• Semantic HTML structure, with headings in a logical order and landmark regions
• Text alternatives for images that convey meaning, and empty alt text on purely decorative images so screen readers skip them
• Colour contrast on body text and interface elements that meets or exceeds the AA ratio of 4.5:1
• No reliance on colour alone to convey information
• Full keyboard operability, including navigation menus, with a visible focus indicator
• Text that reflows without horizontal scrolling down to a 320px viewport and at 200% zoom
• Descriptive link text rather than "click here"
• Form fields with programmatically associated labels
• No content that flashes more than three times per second
• No automatically playing audio or video

Known limitations

• Some architectural renders and floor plans convey detail that is difficult to describe fully in alt text. If you need a plan described or supplied in another format, contact us and we will provide it.
• Documents supplied by third parties, such as engineering certificates and manufacturer manuals, may not meet the same standard as this website.
• Embedded third-party content, such as mapping, is subject to the accessibility of the provider's own platform.

We can supply any information on this site in another format at no charge — large print, plain text, an accessible PDF, or read to you over the phone. Just ask.

3.Accessibility feedback

If you encounter a barrier on this website, or you need information in a different format, please tell us. Your feedback is the fastest way for us to find and fix problems.

Tell us the page address, what you were trying to do, and what went wrong, including the browser and any assistive technology you were using. We acknowledge accessibility feedback within two business days and aim to resolve issues within 20 business days, or tell you when a fix will land if it will take longer.

4.Accessible and adaptable homes

There is a difference between an accessible home, built now for a person with a specific requirement, and an adaptable home, built with the structure and clearances to be converted later without major works. We build both, and we will help you work out which one you actually need.

Features we can incorporate

• Step-free entry with level thresholds and a continuous accessible path of travel
• Widened doorways and corridors sized for wheelchair circulation and turning
• Hobless, level-entry showers with linear drainage and appropriate falls
• Reinforced wall framing for grab rails and ceiling hoists, installed now or future-proofed for later
• Lever tapware, lever door hardware and D-pull cabinetry handles
• Adjustable-height or clearance-under benchtops and vanities
• Lowered light switches and raised power outlets within reach range
• Slip-resistant floor finishes with appropriate slip ratings in wet areas
• Wider garage or carport bays and accessible parking dimensions
• Visual and tactile alerting for doorbells and smoke alarms
• Contrasting colour between floors, walls and door frames to assist low vision

Because our frames are steel rather than timber, wall reinforcement for grab rails and hoists is straightforward and can be specified anywhere in the dwelling without additional structural work. This is one of the practical advantages of the way we build.

5.Standards we design to

The standard that applies to your home is confirmed in writing as part of your contract specification before construction begins, so there is no ambiguity about what you are receiving.

6.How to raise access requirements

Raise access requirements at the first consultation. The earlier a requirement is known, the more of it can be delivered within the base build rather than as a variation, and the cheaper it is.

You do not need to provide medical documentation to discuss options with us. If a funding body or an SDA registration requires evidence, that is a matter between you and that body; we will supply whatever building documentation they need.

1. (a) Tell your project manager or designer what you need the home to do — not what fittings you think you need. Describing the task is more useful than specifying the product.
2. (b) We will arrange a conversation with our Design Manager, and where useful will work with your occupational therapist, builder's advocate or support coordinator.
3. (c) We document the requirements in the design brief and the contract specification, with the applicable standard named.
4. (d) Engineering and certification are completed before manufacture begins.
5. (e) At handover we walk the home through with you and confirm each requirement has been met.

Visiting us: Our Northbridge office has step-free access. Our manufacturing facility is an active workplace with personal protective equipment requirements and uneven surfaces in some areas. Tell us before you visit and we will arrange a route and any assistance you need, or bring the walkthrough to you by video.

7.Complaints

If you believe we have discriminated against you on the basis of disability, or you are not satisfied with how we have handled an accessibility issue, we want to hear about it directly first. Contact us using the details in section 3 and we will investigate and respond in writing.

You also have the right to complain to an external body at any time:

8.Reviewing this statement

We review this statement at least annually, and whenever we make a significant change to this website or to our design process. The date it was last reviewed appears at the top of this page.

This statement was prepared following a self-assessment of this website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA, including keyboard-only navigation testing, automated contrast checking and reflow testing at 320px and 200% zoom.