This presentation outlines the role of  The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS) in a project  commissioned by the  London Borough of Newham to develop  housing design guidance to accommodate the needs of neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities.  It highlights how the combined specialist experience of occupational therapists  Dr Rachel Russell, Dr Jan Healey and Dr Marney Walker contributed to engaging and consulting people with lived experience. It outlines how a mixed methodology that involved a review of existing evidence, legislation and policies, consultation with all key stakeholders, and workshops with residents, informed the development of design guidance.

• Explore the role of occupational therapists in influencing local housing policy and design standards, using evidence-based, person-centred approaches to drive systemic change
• Recognise how the distinct housing needs of neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities and their families, impact on daily life, autonomy, and wellbeing
• Understand how co-production methods can be used to gather meaningful insights from individuals with lived experience of neurodivergence and learning disabilities
• Understand how lived experience, guidance, legislation and evidence contributes to an inclusive design approach to meeting physical and mental health, and sensory, cognitive, behavioural functional needs