FIND
DESIGN
ADAPT
Property Finding Services
Specialist support for accessible living
Finding the right home for a person with a disability involves much more than just location or size - it requires a deep understanding of individual bespoke needs and how they translate into practical living requirements. It also means factoring in the cost and feasibility of adapting a property to meet both current and future needs.
That’s where our Property Finding Services come in...
At Design for Independence Ltd, we do more than browse property listings. Our dedicated in-house Property Sales and Lettings Manager - backed by over 20 years of housing market experience - works in close partnership with our expert Housing Occupational Therapists to identify properties that truly suit the individual, now and into the future.
Our Housing Occupational Therapists (OTs) are experts in inclusive home design and accessibility. We assess how a person’s living environment supports - or limits - their ability to live independently and comfortably.
Our Housing OTs create bespoke home designs tailored to each individual's unique needs and abilities. They recommend thoughtful layouts, fixtures, and fittings that enhance safety, comfort, and functionality - empowering individuals to navigate and enjoy their homes with confidence and ease.
We primarily support individuals who have experienced life-changing injuries or live with complex, chronic, or debilitating medical conditions. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and legal professionals, we help deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
FIND
DESIGN
ADAPT
What we offer:
Market reviews to support budgeting and relocation planning, suitable for use in legal proceedings to secure interim payments.
Housing OT assessment to create a detailed and bespoke criteria for the search.
Property finding searches supported by a Housing OT - rapid filtering of unsuitable properties, saving time, money, and frustration.
In-house estate agent - a specialist estate agent working exclusively on behalf of the person with a disability, liaising and communicating with estate agents, landlords and owners.
Joint working with the therapy team and case management to ensure the property meets all rehabilitation and personal goals.
Site visits and suitability assessment with every viewing - including estimated costs for adaptations and future reinstatement.
Why it matters
The wrong property can delay discharge, disrupt rehabilitation, or lead to costly rework. Our service ensures you get a property that not only looks right on paper - but actually works in real life, with potential for any necessary adaptations.
With clinical insight and property expertise under one roof, we deliver property solutions that are practical, realistic, and aligned with your legal and rehabilitation goals.
Meet our team
We provide impartial, unbiased advice to architects, surveyors, and other construction professionals on home adaptations, ensuring that your projects meet the highest standards of accessibility and functionality. Drawing on our extensive experience, we are pleased to recommend reputable companies with whom we have successfully collaborated and we offer project management services as required. Our Occupational Therapists operate across England and Wales.
Anava Baruch
Managing Director, Clinical Lead
BA Hons Occupational Therapy & MSc Ergonomics
Anava has more than 20 years of experience working as a housing Occupational Therapist for both the private and public sector. She specialises in the inclusive design of domestic and residential buildings, aiming to provide aesthetic solutions for people who are less able. Anava acts as an Accommodation Expert Witness (under Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules). Her knowledge and expertise have proven particularly useful when thinking outside of the box is required.
Her occupational therapy background enables her to fully understand the care and rehabilitation required when working with clients. This enables her to design and recommend homes which are ‘Tailor made’ to the specific requirements of the individual.
Anava is a member of Bond Solon, Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Health & Care Professions Council. She is also accredited on the APIL expert database.
Paul Groves
Project Coordinator Building Adaptations
Paul brings with him his experience working in the Design and Build industry as both a Project Manager and a CAD designer. As well as reaching his City & Guilds in Kitchen and Bedroom design he has almost 20 years’ experience in the Aerospace industry proving to show a strong eye for detail and a great understanding of strict processes.
He works collaboratively with the overall team of case managers, solicitors, equipment suppliers and trades people, coordinating estimates, quotes, team meetings, reviewing drawings/plans and supporting the end users during the process of design and adaptations. Paul is mainly office based and has a complete overview of the projects so he can ensure that all adaptation work is completed in a timely and efficient fashion, and within budget.
Acer Morgan
Client Services Manager
Acer has a wealth of technical and communication skills from her background as a formulation scientist and ran her own consultancy business. Her experience includes liaising with clients, suppliers, managing projects and networking within the cosmetics industry to bring new products to the market in the UK and abroad.
Acer acts as the first point of contact within DfI, she liaises with new and existing clients, building relationships, referring and recommending other services as appropriate. Acer coordinates the services we provide to all of our end users and the professional teams supporting them ensuring information is available when needed. Acer manages the function of the office and supports the MD. Acer is office based so is available for clients as a daily contact.
Jana Robinson
Biophilic Interior Designer (Founder of The Emerald lounge)
Jana works closely with Anava’s team to enhance adapted spaces for her clients, delivering considered and sympathetic interior schemes connecting clients’ life values with their new surroundings. Her work is based on the principles of nature incorporating textures, patterns and colours that are fundamental to inviting nature indoors. This balanced combination stimulates senses, provides a calm atmosphere, reduces anxiety and shapes an authentic and comfortable home.
Biophilic design is a combination of natural elements that send a powerful message influencing how we feel and act indoors. It allows every client’s unique style to shine through whilst delivering highly functional spaces.
Jana’s collaborative approach focuses on individual needs and brings uniquely personalised solutions to every client.
Design For Independence is unique.
As Housing Occupational Therapists we adeptly interpret complex medical conditions into architectural designs. As Manual Handling experts we precisely assess spatial needs and equipment placement for optimal functionality.
As Therapists we prioritise privacy and dignity, ensuring that our recommendations for purchasing, designing, and adapting properties for individuals with disabilities are expertly tailored to enhance quality of life.
Design For Independence is unique.
As Housing Occupational Therapists we adeptly interpret complex medical conditions into architectural designs. As Manual Handling experts we precisely assess spatial needs and equipment placement for optimal functionality.
As Therapists we prioritise privacy and dignity, ensuring that our recommendations for purchasing, designing, and adapting properties for individuals with disabilities are expertly tailored to enhance quality of life.
Chroma House, Shire Hill,
Saffron Walden CB11 3AQ