Our Story
The Brief
To create a space where someone in a wheelchair can live independently, through use of adaptive technology and good design.
To be an affordable housing option so they can enjoy the dignity of living independently in their own home.
How it began
In 2014 a few guys came together with the idea of creating a space to work and share ideas. At the same time St John of God Halswell (SJOG) had a large shed that became available. Since then the “Shed” has grown to over 140 members with some impressive equipment and a diverse skill set. The relationship between the two organizations has evolved with the Shed becoming part of the SJOG onsite community. There have been many projects which the Shed guys have done for SJOG and the people who live there. This project will be the biggest to date giving the Shed a real challenge in solving the many challenges people living in wheelchairs face every day.
A Joint Venture
Menzshed brought together their design team including design engineers, joiners, electricians, fitter and turners, and electrical engineers. The SJOG occupational therapists contributed to the physical layout design, while their maintenance and facilities staff helped with ideas about what does and doesn’t work in the real word of wheelchair friendly environments.
Once the overall design was agreed on, the Menzshed team went to work designing the solutions to make this work (see Our Design). SJOG then took the design to their contractors explaining what was needed and they all said “yes, count me in”. Everyone from electricians, plumbers, and builders to flooring and soft furnishings, auto door, and ceiling hoist contractors.
The project was shaping up to truly be a community project.
Who will benefit?
Once completed, the tiny home will form part of the Transitional Rehabilitation programme at The Granada Center for people who are recovering from a stroke, brain injury or some other neurological condition.
The tiny home will provide an opportunity for them to test the adaptive technology and formulate a personal plan for what they will need when transitioning back to community living. You can learn more about the programme here.
