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Breaking Barriers: Designing an Inclusive World

In the Better Ways for Living podcast episode, “Overcoming Disability Discrimination”, we had the honour of hosting Justin Nix, a visionary leader and the CEO of Guardian Living. With a profound experience spanning 30 years in creating accessible built environments, Justin shares his insights on overcoming the challenges of disability discrimination, particularly in the built environment, where tailored solutions are paramount. Join Nick Stehr, Director of Business at HLS Healthcare, and Justin as they delve deep into the complexities of solving disability discrimination and bridging the gaps in processes and governmental reviews.

During our conversation, Justin sheds light on the intricacies of disability discrimination within the built environment. We explored the hurdles faced, the experiences of individuals, and the critical need for inclusivity. From public spaces to private establishments, the conversation delved into the varied scenarios where discrimination is often encountered.

Our discussion also delved into the existing process gaps within the disability sector. Justin shared invaluable insights on identifying and implementing strategies to address these gaps. We explored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in creating solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of the disabled community.

Much of our conversation revolved around the governmental price review and its implications on accessibility initiatives. Justin offered a comprehensive perspective on the challenges faced by organisations like Guardian Living and the innovative approaches employed to ensure that price reviews do not hinder the progress toward a more inclusive world.

Within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) framework, inclusivity is not just a goal but a fundamental requirement. Justin shared strategies for best practices, emphasising the need for personalised solutions and the integration of adaptive technologies. These insights provide a roadmap for organisations and policymakers aiming to create a more accessible future within the NDIS structure and beyond.

“I feel we work in a very prescriptive world. You know when the standard says that the toilet pan needs to be 450 to 460 millimetres from a side wall? Yeah, and that doesn’t suit you as a user, that’s a really bad outcome,” emphasises Justin Nix. His words underscore the essence of our conversation: that inclusivity should not be bound by rigid standards but rather should be deeply human-centred, recognising and accommodating the diverse needs of every individual.

Listen to the episode now: Better Ways for Living Podcast.

Explore more about Guardian Living’s impactful initiatives at www.guardianliving.com.au.