Accessible home - a family life and special needs topic

The Accessible Home

Creating the handicapped accessible home is based on the principles of Universal Design-the practice of planning new buildings or updating existing structures so they are conveniently usable by all people-from small children to physically impaired elderly people. These are not homes designed exclusively for handicapped individuals, but for all residents. The book includes not only the expected construction projects - building an entry ramp for wheelchair access, installing curbless showers and grab bars in bathrooms, the installation of intercom systems and assisted-listening units, installing hands-free controls for switches and electrical fixtures, making computers and other electronics more user-friendly.

This book examines all areas of the home design. Outdoors: motion-sensor security lights; wheelchair ramps; raised gardening beds; keyless locking systems; barrier-free entrances. Bathroom: anti-scald faucets and showers; entry-platform tubs; shower seats; grab bars; pocket doors. Kitchen: low-level work surfaces; accessible appliances; easy-open cabinets and storage accessories. General living areas: handrails; wide, non-slip steps and floor surfaces; easy-operating electrical switches and outlets; hands-free door handles. Each major section of the book includes a product guide listing helpful accessories, building material, and devices to enhance a home's accessibility.

• The lower range of reach of a standing person is within the reach of the wheelchair user so that the location of hand controls, switches, and storage can be placed within reach of both.
• For walkways, no obstructions or gratings should occur. A width of 4' provides space for a wheelchair and a pedestrian to pass and also allows for a 90 degree turn of a wheelchair. However, a width of 5' provides space for the passage of two wheelchairs and a 180 degree turn of a wheelchair.
• Ramps should be developed at a grade no steeper than a 1:12 ratio. Curbs should also be provided so that a wheelchair cannot accidentally run off the ramp or crutches or canes cannot slip off. There should also be at least 5' of straight clearance at the bottom of the ramp
• Entry for persons with disabilities should be at primary entrances, not service areas. Revolving doors and turnstiles are hazardous to the mobility disabled.
• Doorways should be wide enough to allow for wheelchair passage. Some codes specify 34" while 36" requires less precision of the user.
• Elevators should be integrated into all buildings with two or more floors. Controls should be placed low enough for a person in a wheelchair to operate. Also, a 5' diameter of the space would enable the user to turn around.
• A curbless shower stall is the most convenient way for a wheelchair user to shower. It can also be used by persons without disabilities.
• A side-by-side refrigerator is best for the mobility impaired and wheelchair users. Built in ovens at counter height is reachable for wheelchair users and the elderly. Cooktops should be placed at 30" is convenient for wheelchair users and others. No space should be allowed underneath because of the danger of hot spills. Sinks may be located at a height of 36". If space is provided underneath, pipes should be covered in case the user has no sensation in their legs.
• dining tables should have a 4' width for two wheelchairs or a 4'6" width for four.
• Handrails and grab bars should be placed no more than 1 1/2" from a wall to prevent a person's hand from getting caught between the rail and the wall. Also, bars should be 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" in diameter to allow ease in gripping.
• People with mobility or hearing impairments should have access to TDD and telephone bank installed at an accessible height.
• Ramps can be aesthetically incorporated into the overall design. Carpeting of the ramp also prevents slipping.
• Asymmetrical doors allow adequate width for a wheelchair in a space where double door of the same width would have been inaccessible.
• Desks with lowered portions that retract when not in use provide a writing surface of wheelchair users.
• Entrances should be on-grade with a slip-resistant surface and awning of some type. Also, a drop-off area should be visible from the front door.
• Straight staircases with resting places on the landing should be provided for those with mobility differences and who tire easily.
• Light switches with large controls are easy to use and often come with dimmer capabilities to adjust the amount of light needed for task surfaces. Thermostats should have raised, easy to read numbers. Controls with audible clicks are also helpful.
• Recessed lighting under stairs should be provided to prevent accidents. Careful attention needs to be paid so that the lights are not visually confusing.
• Lighter color schemes should be applied in rooms with large or many windows as to prevent the "dazzle" often caused with drastic differences in light levels, and for people to recognize objects near the window.
• Well-textured patters should be used on wall coverings. Slick, shiny surfaces offer no friction for stability and may cause glare that can be visually confusing.
• Carpet wearablility and institutional versus residential appearance must be taken into consideration when selecting. Also, mobility of a wheelchair on certain types of carpet is a consideration.
• Door closers such as automatic and delayed-action closer will allow passage for the mobility disabled and wheelchair users.
• Tile with an abrasive face that will prevent slipping is a must in surface material selection. Joints between tiles must be kept small to prevent tripping.
• A comfortable sleeping system with storage within reach is necessary for people with disabilities who spend more time in bed.
• Tables with legs are more stable than pedestal legs, if users require leaning on the table in order to stand up.
• Signs with contrast, proportion, and redundant cuing must be provided for all users. Also, tactile cues are needed for people with impaired vision. The international symbol for accessibility must be placed to indicate accessible facilities and parking.
• Extra counter space should be provided in pull-out work surfaces. These also enable a wheelchair to be placed beneath the surface.
• Wheel-in showers are not only easy for wheelchair users to use, but can be aesthetically pleasing and even luxurious.

Concrete Change - Provides detailed construction guidelines and cost estimates for barrier free design in new homes. Suggests ways to encourage wheelchair accessable construction in all homes....

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification - Supportive housing and home modification can help prevent accidents such as falls...

Scanflex Ltd - Flexible Products for the Less Able - Disability Products...

If you have a website with related content, please let us know if you would like to trade links.

These web site resources are listed as a convenience to our visitors. If you use these resources, we take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.

AmazingPlans.com - House Plans, floor plans, home plans, hom - House Plans and AmazingPlans.com are designers of a variety of house and floor pans for the building industry including stock home plans online....

B4UBUILD.COM - Residential Construction Information, House Plans, Homebuild - The first place to look... before you build, for information about residential construction & design, house plans, descriptions of the custom homebuilding process, books & book reviews, CAD software, ...

BuilderDirectory.com: Home Builder, Home Improvement, Contractor, New Home - A comprehensive directory of home builder, home improvment, contractor, and more...

COOLhouseplans.com. Get your floor plans, blueprints, house - House Plans by COOLhouseplans.com provides architecturally designed house plans by some of the nation's top designers and architects. Cool Man. NO - COOL house plans!!...

CorridorHomes.com - House Plans!!...

Design Evolutions Inc., GA House Plans - Our unique collection of house plans includes traditional, classical, country, and farmhouse plans. These styles vary from ranch and two story house plans to small and custom luxury house plans. ...

Design Linc - The Design Linc provides design tips and product information for those designing for people with disabilities....

England house plans - Offering house plans and home designs with functional and cost effective floor plans without compromising architectural style...

Home Construction Advisors Group - An affordable construction consulting service designed to protect the average new home consumer from the chaos within the construction industry....

Home plan info - House designs and blueprints at Houseplaninfo. House plans and home plan firms reviewed. See who carries which plans, what their specialties are, and the payment methods accepted. Unbiased information...

Home plan-it - Find contractors, interior designers, decorating - Listings of contractors, interior designers, architects and home renovation products plus tips and ideas for the home and garden....

HomeBuilder.com: Home Page - Search for new homes, floor plans, home builders and land nationwide....

House plan info - House designs and blueprints at Houseplaninfo - Home plans and floor plan design firms...

House Plans & Home Plans - Floor Plans & Home Plan Designss - House plans & home plans - Floor plans & home designs from award winning Creations West Home Design. Use our simple house plan search to find the house plans & floor plans of your dreams....

House plans for your dream home are available at DesignHouse. - House plans for your dream home are available from DesignHouse. Our home plans are created by some of the nations leading designers and architects. Southern, country, traditional, european floor plans...

The Plan Collection - Offering stock home plans and custom design services from some of the finest home designers. ...

If you have a website with related content, please let us know if you would like to trade links.

These web site resources are listed as a convenience to our visitors. If you use these resources, we take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.