In addition to the standard Features list, both cottages have these special design features which are usually better than the ACROD standards. Have a look at the Accessibility photo page  and some of the Testimonials below.

• Extra-wide doorways, 1250mm passage and spacious turning areas
• Remote control split system air conditioning / heating & ceiling fans
• Temperature controlled hot water - no scalding possibility
• Carport: 4.5m with undercover entry to cottage

Furnishings:

• Prestige over-size light switches
• All light switches and powerpoints at accessible heights
• Pine-panelled walls to 1200mm (4 ft)
• Rhinosafe flooring to Australian non-slip standard
• Low pile carpet in bedrooms and lounge area
• Sliding doors to courtyard have special flat sills; entry and other doorways have no sills

Bathroom: - Sliding door entry 1070mm (42")

• Non-slip Tarkett vinyl flooring
• Walls in waterproof Tarkett vinyl panelling
• Grab rails fitted on all walls
• Toilet and appropriate fittings suitable for people with mobility impairments
• commode/shower chair provided on request (details below)
• Flickmixer tap with extra-length control on semi-recessed basin
• Semi-recessed basin has 670 mm (27") clearance underneath
• Shower with on/off switch can be hand-held (extra length hose as well)
• Wall-mounted fan heater with thermostat control
• Laundry tub, change table & cupboard

Kitchen/Dining:

Fully equipped all electric kitchen with

• oven/grill & microwave at accessible heights
• kickboards at 200mm (8") height
• room under counter for wheelchair plus slide out bench
• no overhead cupboards
• pull-out pantry and deep drawers for cooking utensils, pots & pans
• Flickmixer tap with extra-length control
• Appliances include toaster, coffee plunger and cordless jug
• Two door fridge/freezer
• Dining table with 700mm (28") clearance underneath

Lounge: - undercover entry from carport 920mm (3') wide with lever handle

• Comfortable innerspring sofa bed & 2 lounge chairs
• TV/video trolley with remote control
• Antenna points in lounge and main bedroom (in 2 BR cottage)
• 5 channel TV reception (same as city channels)
• Selection of books and magazines and tourist information

Bedrooms & Linen - main bedroom sliding door 1070mm (42"), 2nd bedroom 870mm (34")

• Wardrobes with adjustable rails/shelves
• Quality linen, towels, doonas and pillows supplied
• Waterproof mattress protectors as required
• TV point and clock radio in the main bedroom
• Lights over beds with 2 way switches

Disability aids provided as required:

• Portable gooseneck hoist ("monkey bars")
• Shower head (on hand-held hose) with on/off switch
• Overbed adjustable table
• Glide commode/shower chairs & standard shower chairs available (4 models)
• Left and right hand bedsticks

Courtyard & Private Garden

• Lounge and main bedroom have sliding door access to the courtyard & garden
• Suntrap courtyard containing patio chairs & table and an electric bbq
• Generous "privacy space" between cottages (each on 1 acre)
• Fully-fenced garden for guest dogs

For a visual indication, please check the floor plans

Note: Bairnsdale has two large medical clinics and Paynesville has one clinic; thre are many allied health practioners and a 100+ bed acute Hospital with accident and emergency services.

TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

First - what the experts say:

Janice Florence, Information Officer, Paraquads Vic
From the article in Inform Magazine:
"I recently stayed at Merindah Cottages in the Gippsland Lakes area and was most impressed. As a paraplegic, I found they catered to my needs very well, while allowing me to spend time in a beautiful part of Victoria in cottages that give a little luxury at a reasonable price. "

Gary Allsop, Victorian Chairman, Australasian Spinal Research Trust
From the article in AQA Newslink:
" It had been nine and a half years since my accident which left me a quadriplegic, when I decided to have a long-awaited holiday. The bathroom was large and I had pre-arranged for a commode/shower chair...there were plenty of handrails in and around the shower and toilet, a good hand-held shower hose and good adjustable hot/cold fixture...all tap fittings are lever type suitable for people with limited hand use...plenty of bench space.  The main bedroom was very spacious with plenty of room either side of the bed for the electric wheelchair which allowed easy transfers. The bed was adjusted to the height I asked for. The second bedroom was again roomy with two single beds and also plenty of wardrobe space. Both robes had adjustable hanging rails for easy access so a person in a wheelchair could reach easily. The doorways were all extra-wide...in the kitchen a wheelchair user could get around with ease...the table had cutouts on the long sides so people in chairs could sit comfortably at the table.  What I particularly liked about the whole cottage was the abundance of windows that let in the maximum amount of light...the carpet was low-pile and easy to wheel on. The whole place was tastefully painted and furnished...and it was obvious to me a lot of forethought, planning and consultation had gone into the building of the cottage."

Colin James, author, "The Wheelie's Handbook of Australia"
"Without a doubt one of the best purpose-built holiday spots for wheelies and their carers...spacious and delightfully appointed..."
From an interview in the Bairnsdale Advertiser: "I rate this as one of the best regions we've seen for people with disabilities."

Bonnie S , DisAbility Accom Services, Dept of Human Services
"My sincere thanks for ensuring the care and safety of our client Mary and my staff member Carol. It was pleasing to know that they were in good hands and would have the support necessary for the success of the venture. The cottage was very comfortable and they had a most relaxing and beneficial time. We will certainly consider the Cottages for future holidays."

notes from other guests:

A most enjoyable and relaxing few days in a tranquil and picturesque bush setting. Our stay was made all the more enjoyable because of the excellent disabled facilities. It is the best set up for a disabled person that we have encountered on our travels. Thank you for the thoughtfulness that has gone into making the cottage so user-friendly. The fresh flowers were an added welcoming gesture. Tosh immediately found herself at home. Our stay has gone all too quickly.
Helen McI & Marjorie L, Langwarrin Vic (+ Tosh the Mini-Schnauzer)

The travellers have returned, a lot heavier around the waistline!! Thank-you so much for the kindness and hospitality shown to us during our stay at Merindah. Liz and I really needed some time to relax and gather our thoughts, it has been an tough year for us physically. It was such a special time for us at Merindah and the weather was perfect. Our carers really loved the facilities too.
Chris & Liz, Barossa Valley SA

Bonjour Laurie, Nous vous remercions encore de votre aide. Nous sommes rentres avant-hier. La suite du voyage apres notre passage chez vous, s'est tres bien passe. Cela nous a fait de bien de passer un mois en Australie. Ce fut vraiment dépaysant et puis nous sommes revenus enchanté de votre acceuil. Encore merci.
Olivier & Maggi, Louvain, Belgium (Olivier is a high needs quad who was touring Australia with his wife.)

Thank you for making our stay at Merindah Cottages so enjoyable. Kate & I observed that you have taken a lot of care with your choice of layout and equipment to suit all types of physical disability. We certainly appreciated it all. We wish you a very successful and happy time with your venture.
Rosemary and Kate & her Labrador, Picton NSW

Thank you for providing a most suitable place for my brother Ron to get around with ease. We are returning home much more relaxed, stress-free and ready to join the rat-race again. We especially enjoyed the boat trip on Lake Tyers. Thank you again for your hospitality.
Nancy, Phillip and Ron, Wantirna Vic

(First email) I am very physically disabled and I am almost wheelchair bound, therefore I find it very difficult to find a suitable and comfortable location for a short time away! The facilities you provide sound really ideal, so I would be grateful if you would be good enough to send me a brochure.
(Last email) Firstly, thank you so much for all you did to help me personally, it was much appreciated. You are a great person to suggest places to visit and convenient places to dine. You are certainly living in a delightful area of Victoria and we really enjoyed all the places we were able to visit and the boat cruises were a delight. I have some photos to remind me of your cottage, the Mitchell River, the lakes and a few beautiful trees and the sunset,some take from the back porch of Karinya. The cottage is convenient regarding cooling & heating and the kitchen is set up so conveniently, as is the cupboards and hanging spaces . Well done & Congratulations to you.
Sister Julie, Mentone Vic

I am rather ashamed that I have not sent a brief thank you note before this for making our stay at Merindah such a very pleasant one. You made us very welcome and could not do enough for us. Your kindness and hospitality was very much appreciated. When time permits, we shall return as your facilities are excellent for the disabled. (They have been back 4 times since...)
John & Margaret, Eltham Vic

We felt we had to send you a thank-you note for everything you did for us, and especially Colin, in order to make our holiday so enjoyable.
Wendy, Colin & Ivy (& Quella the Labrador), Glen Waverley Vic

Thank you for making our stay at Merindah one we will always remember. Your dream is going to make going away on holidays for people with disabilities so much easier because you have taken the time to research what is needed...we will be coming back very soon.
Robert & Jessica & Panda (Tibetan Spaniel) St Albans Vic

We really enjoyed our stay with you. Thanks for making us feel so welcome. We would love to play host to you when you visit Canada one day. Thanks again for all the tourism and accessibility information you gave us and for letting us use your computer for email.
Peter & Brenda, Gloucester, Canada