Disabled access

Supreme Court confirms that OCs must carry out works to common property to avoid discrimination against persons with disabilities

/ Tiphanie Acreman

The Victorian Supreme Court has upheld an earlier decision by VCAT which found that owners corporations provide “services” in relation to common property for the purposes of s44 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.  The practical effect of this decision is that owners corporations are obliged to make “reasonable adjustments” to the common property to avoid discrimination against persons with disabilities. Continue reading →

OCs may be obliged to carry out works to upgrade access for persons with disabilities

/ Tiphanie Acreman / 1 Comment

In Black v Owners Corporation OC1-POS539033E [2018] VCAT 185, a resident developed a disability which required her to use a wheelchair or scooter.  She had difficulty accessing her apartment because she was unable to operate the entry doors and the ramp from the car park was unsafe for her.  The resident sought an order that the OC make adjustments to the common property so she could access the building independently. Continue reading →