Accessible Parking in Specialist Disability Accommodation

For some SDA tenants like Jamie-Lee, the lack of accessible parking leaves them struggling with safety, independence, and inclusion, underscoring the urgent need to mandate accessible parking in SDA design standards.

Accessible Parking at My Specialist Disability Accommodation Apartment

My sister and I share a van and have struggled all year with parking in our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment building, as our van does not fit easily in the specific car spaces allocated to our units. 

Up until recently, our support workers utilised the parking spots provided, as I have 24-hour support, and my sister’s car space is too small for the van to fit.

There is no accessible parking in my building for tenants. There is only one accessible car space in the visitor’s area.

We now park the van in my parking spot, although it isn't without difficulty. It is a very tight space and does not accommodate loading. For me to get in, my support worker must move the van to the accessible space to load. 

Jamie-Lee's van parked at her SDA apartment.

I think it’s only fair to assume that if you’re offering SDA, accessible parking would be included for the residents and visitors. 

I want the safety of parking our vehicle in a secure undercover carpark and to have protection from wet weather whilst travelling to the car in my electric wheelchair.

I have contacted building management attempting to arrange hiring another car space that would more easily accommodate the van; however they told me it wouldn’t fit in any spaces in the area, and didn’t assist any further.

I asked my landlord to advocate on our behalf and attend the body corporate meeting to address these issues and raise the idea of changing some spaces to be accessible. My landlord told me they are unable to change the carpark, as it is a council issue. 

They also mentioned that continuing to park in the only accessible space in the visitors area will breach our tenancy.

The Impacts on My Tenancy

There have been multiple complaints and online bullying in the tenant Facebook group about us parking the van in the only accessible space for more than four hours.

It has left me feeling extremely uneasy about my current living situation and it makes me feel on guard when I see other tenants. I’m constantly wondering if they are the people that have been posting in the Facebook group, making assumptions and saying they hope our vehicle will be towed.

I feel unwelcome in my own home, and the housing provider isn’t offering any solutions, leaving the issue in our hands.

Parking in SDA

The SDA Design Standard does not mandate accessible car parking as a general requirement. Accessible parking should be mandated in SDA, not just recommended.

Car parking only needs to comply with SDA requirements if:

  • It’s provided for use by the SDA participant
  • An accessible path can’t otherwise be provided from the site boundary to the dwelling.

If participant-use parking is provided under the SDA Standard, the requirements include:

  • Minimum dimensions typically 3.8 m wide × 5.4 m long for participant parking, firm and slip-resistant surface, and level with minimal gradient.
  • Accessible, step-free connection from the parking to the dwelling entrance.

The Future of Accessible Car Parking in SDA

This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced the issue of car parking in an SDA tenancy.

At my previous SDA place, our vehicle could not fit in the resident’s carpark and there were only two accessible spaces for visitors.

For me, in my current tenancy, my next steps are to contact my local MP to discuss arranging accessible parks outside the building in the public spaces.

I think it’s only fair for the SDA Design Standards to ensure SDA property developers consider accessible parking for tenants and there be a legal minimum to abide by.

I can't be the only one experiencing these problems, which have caused my sister and I a lot of distress. 

To me, it highlights the lack of accessibility in SDA developments and planning. We need to try and fix this for future tenants of SDA and integrate accessible parking into these spaces. 

Article published: March 2026

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About the author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of someone growing up disabled motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at uni, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. Shining a light on independent living options available to people with a disability is how we can create change in our society. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

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