Our values: Creating inclusive environments for all 

Commissioned by the London Borough of Newham Planning Department, The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) has helped to produce an evidence-based housing design guide for Neurodivergent residents and those with Learning Disabilities.

The project brought together residents, planners and service providers so that future housing developments would be more inclusive and accessible. Three associates from TOTS, all qualified to PhD level, applied their specialist occupational therapy and housing experience to model the planning design guide with a view to removing barriers for residents with additional needs. Dr Rachel Russell, Dr Marney Walker and Dr Jan Healey, overseen by TOTS Director Lucy Leonard, worked with the Newham planning department, led by Principal Planner, Claire Laurence. 

The collaboration focused on research into housing design and how it impacts on physical and emotional factors. Findings and conclusions were then used to shape policy – ensuring the built environment remains inclusive. This was of particular significance in Newham with its current significant housing challenges in both the private and public sectors.

Newham has population growth that is causing overcrowding, long housing waiting lists and contributes to the inequalities many residents face. As an inner-city borough, the majority of new housing delivery is through high-rise properties which further underlines the need for efficient and appropriate design. With a target to increase dwellings by 45,000 homes in the next 15 years and to support the 10,000 residents in Newham that are Neurodivergent or have Learning Disabilities, the collaboration design guide represented a crucial deliverable.

Claire Laurance explains why TOTS input was so valuable: “We needed support from an OT perspective to ensure our planning policy remained enabling. As we were undertaking our regular 5-year review of planning policies, we reached out to TOTS as our previous policies sought to meet the needs of wheelchair users but did not fully consider the needs of Neurodivergent residents and residents with Learning Disabilities. We could see that TOTS had a proven track record in enhancing the provision of housing accessibility, especially when working with local authorities. Alongside completing a literature review, TOTS engaged at community level via stakeholder workshops and assessed recently built homes to gain a full understanding of wants, needs and risks.” 

“TOTS synthesized their findings into a report which we are now looking to apply to larger scale developments. Their research was insightful as it highlighted many current issues with new build housing and how aspects such as single level living and flexible layouts benefit a specific cohort, especially in family and multigenerational homes. Personally, I found the whole project rewarding and it was a pleasure work with TOTS, they were fantastic and clearly passionate about inclusive housing.”

Lucy Leonard, OT and Director for The Occupational Therapy Service led the project from the clinical side. She added in conclusion:

“By applying their clinical knowledge to research, resident engagement and site visits, our associates have been able to produce a comprehensive design tool that futureproofs accessibility for Neurodiverse residents. This piece of work is indicative of one of our core values – to facilitate inclusive environments.”

“We strive to design and recommend solutions that remove barriers, promote accessibility, and allow people to thrive in their chosen occupations. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to take part in the activities that matter to them. For this reason, we thank Newham Planning Department for giving us this opportunity to demonstrate our skillset which always aims to make a positive impact on society.”