Adaptation Design, a leading surveying and architectural practice specialising in the design and construction of accessible properties, has enhanced its service provision through the appointment of internationally recognised Occupational Therapist Kate Sheehan.
Kate Sheehan is a highly-respected Occupational Therapist (OT) with 38 years of clinical experience, specialising in accessible housing. Her practice champions adaptations that improve the wellbeing of clients with disabilities through appropriate clinical assessment, design and provision. Kate presents her ethos internationally and is published globally, including co-authoring the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide and peer reviewing The Inclusive Housing Design Guide. On a daily basis, she is proactively involved with governing bodies with a view to making the built environment more inclusive. In recognition of her outstanding work worldwide, she was prestigiously awarded Fellowship of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) in 2022. Kate’s unique and remarkable expertise has led to Adaptation Design’s appointment to ensure their clients receive the best possible service.
David G Goodheart, Managing Director, Adaptation Design, comments:
“As part of our duty of care to clients, we are continually striving to enhance our proposition to support our clients to engage in activities in their home that bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Our building projects meet the needs of people with varying access challenges from reduced mobility to complex care requirements.
From a clinical point of view, these scenarios need the expert eye of a specialist healthcare professional to ensure occupation is maximised in their home. With Kate now working alongside our construction professionals and in-house OT, we have the prowess needed to provide residential sustainability and futureproofing that is world-class.”
Kate’s remit for Adaptation Design will benefit all their clients by offering:
- Advanced clinical expertise and project guidance
- An enhanced accessible property finding service
- Supporting and expanding occupational therapy
- Participation at exhibition and events
Kate is delighted to have the opportunity to synergise her everyday practice with a leading architectural team. In support of David’s comments, she concludes by saying: “I am proud to be able to add clinical value to everything that Adaptation Design provides. As we share a passion for client-centred provision, joint working makes perfect sense in terms of delivering home environments that are functional, aesthetic and improves the lives of the clients we collaborate with on a daily basis a disability.”
Following an illness, catastrophic event, or personal injury, an individual’s needs and abilities can change significantly, often rendering their existing home unsuitable for their new circumstances. The absence of an accessible home can present substantial barriers to physical and psychological recovery, compounding the challenges faced during an already difficult period.
A fully accessible home plays a vital role in transforming lives, facilitating inclusion and supporting ongoing rehabilitation. Achieving this requires a collaborative and client-focused approach that involves the individual, their families, legal teams, case managers, and treating therapists. We will explore the essential collaboration between Housing Occupational Therapists and Surveyors/Architects in designing homes that are not only functional but a place where our clients can thrive, achieve their goals, and feel a genuine sense of belonging
Housing Occupational Therapists and Surveyors/Architects Work Together to Create Accessible Homes
Creating a home that is both accessible and functional requires a seamless blend of expertise, collaboration, and a deeply rooted client-centred approach. Housing Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Surveyors/Architects work hand-in-hand to design environments that cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities while honouring the importance of aesthetics and personal style.
Equally important is engaging a Housing Occupational Therapist who is highly skilled and experienced in housing and inclusive design. Likewise, surveyors and architects must be experienced and familiar with the principles and approaches for creating accessible homes. Both professionals must maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest assistive technologies, specialist equipment, products, and best practices to ensure that the most innovative and effective solutions are incorporated into the design.
Client-Centred Assessments
The journey begins with the Housing Occupational Therapist (OT) conducting an in-depth, client-centred assessment. These assessments focus on the client’s physical, cognitive, and functional needs, taking a holistic approach that extends beyond the physical environment. Every detail is considered, from the client’s daily activities, roles, and occupations to the specific needs of their carers and those supporting them. Through these thorough evaluations, Housing OTs identify barriers that compromise the client’s autonomy, safety, and comfort. Whether it’s narrow doorways, insufficient circulation space for mobility equipment, inaccessible kitchens and bathrooms or a lack of therapy and care spaces, these challenges are carefully assessed based on their impact on the client’s unique circumstances.
The ultimate goal is to address and overcome these obstacles, transforming the home into a space of freedom, empowerment, and inclusion rather than limitation.
The Power of Collaborative Solutions
The collaboration between Housing OTs and Surveyors/Architects is where the client’s needs meet technical expertise. Housing OTs bring invaluable insights into the client’s physical, cognitive, and functional needs, making recommendations that prioritise safety, independence, and comfort, all guided by the client’s goals.
Surveyors and architects have a critical role in ensuring that recommended adaptations from Housing OTs can be structurally and technically implemented with an understanding and problem-solving ability of design. They evaluate the property’s existing framework, load-bearing capacities, and spatial constraints to determine the feasibility of modifications such as widening doorways, installing ramps, or constructing extensions.
Their expertise ensures that all changes align with local building regulations and compliance requirements, making adaptations safe, legal, and durable. Both Housing Occupational Therapists and Surveyors bring invaluable expertise, including up-to-date knowledge of assistive technologies, specialist equipment, and innovative products. This shared understanding enables them to seamlessly incorporate cutting-edge solutions into the design. By staying informed about best practices and technological advancements, they collaboratively develop creative and effective strategies to overcome design challenges, ensuring adaptations are both functional and forward-thinking.
Accessible housing is about more than modifying spaces; it’s about enhancing lives. Involving the right professionals at the right time is essential, as each stage of the process benefits from specialised expertise. When professionals combine their technical skills with a client-focused approach, they create spaces that are not only practical but also feel truly personal.
A well-designed home goes beyond functionality; it reflects the client’s identity, preferences, and aspirations.