Bathroom modifications to fit walking frame rejected by housing provider

September 2021

Seth* lives in subsidised housing. He has physical disabilities and uses a walking frame. Seth approached his housing provider to make changes to the layout of his bathroom so that he could use his walking frame inside the bathroom.

The housing provider was reluctant to make the recommended modifications that were supported by Seth’s Occupational Therapist and instead suggested that Seth move to alternative housing.

Seth had lived in the house for several years and did not want to move away from the area. He made a complaint with ADNSW of disability discrimination by his housing provider.

When ADNSW contacted Seth’s housing provider, they denied discriminating against Seth’s disability, but did agree to modify the bathroom so that Seth could use the frame inside the bathroom. This was accepted by Seth and the complaint was resolved. 

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.