5 Things to Consider When Building a Disability-Friendly Home
Experts agree that a disability-friendly home can drastically improve the quality of life for someone who uses a wheelchair, crutches, or another form of an assistive device on a regular basis. You should consider these few things when building a disability-friendly home to ensure that anyone who enters will be safe, happy, and comfortable.
1. Level, Paved Walkways
We all know what it's like to try to maneuver over uneven terrain even without having any disability. It's even more difficult to get around if you are differently-abled or elderly. Make sure that your walkways are level and paved so that it's easier to move around with a wheelchair.
2. Grab Bars in the Shower and Tub
Grab bars are extremely important for everyone but especially vital for those who may suffer from any sort of physical disability or other health issues that make it difficult to move around. You want to make sure that the grab bars are sturdy enough for anyone who uses them.
3. Easy Access to the Front Door
Having a front door at a height can pose a significant challenge for those who have to use crutches or a wheelchair. You should make sure that your front entrance is fairly close to the ground and easy to get through.
4. Lighting
Many people don't realize that lighting can make all the difference when a person is trying to move around with any sort of physical disability or health issue. You don't need to go out and buy expensive lights, but instead, just make sure that there is sufficient lighting at all times.
5. Flooring
Another big consideration is the type of flooring that you have throughout your home. You can get creative with your flooring, but also need to make sure that the floor isn't slippery at all. Moreover, there shouldn't be any obstructions in the way.
6. Handrails for Stairs
If you have any stairs in your home, then you absolutely need to make sure that there are handrails on both sides of each step. Having handrails can make it much easier for those who may be suffering from physical pain or other health issues that restrict movement on their own.
7. Removable Ramps for Wheelchairs
Installing ramps is an extremely helpful way to provide your loved ones with the accessibility they need. However, if you can't install ramps everywhere, having portable and removable ramps can also help.
8. An Elevator
If you live in a two-story home, then having an elevator would be extremely useful because it makes it way easier for differently-abled members as well as their caretakers to move them around.
If you’re looking for ADA compliance contractors to make your house accessible, reach out to us. At Access Built, we offer accessible remodeling, home modification for the elderly and people-with-disabilities, and many other services. We can incorporate accessible design in your home to improve the overall quality of life.
Access Built is a universal design build platform dedicated to connecting residential and commercial property owners with resources they need to create more accessible spaces. For more information or to schedule your FREE consultation, click here.
