Checklist: Design for Accessibility
Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com
reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com
More articles on Accessibility and Accessible
Home Design
Designing the interior of
a home is critical for accessibility, especially the kitchen and
bath areas. Wheelchair accessibility issues should be emphasized
within these areas.
Kitchen
- When designing or redesigning a kitchen, make sure the aisles
are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
- Sink depth can be an important consideration if the user
is in a wheelchair. Some manufacturers provide sinks that are
not as deep as standard models.
- Faucets with extended handles and spouts are readily available
in many styles and colors. Faucets should be within easy reach
and easily operable with one hand. For individuals with limited
use of their hands or who have limited strength, faucets equipped
with electronic sensors are designed to automatically turn water
on and off.
- Cooktops and stoves can be installed at a height that is
good for either standing or sitting.
- If a person is partially blind, selecting a cooktop that
has contrasting colors, such as light surface and dark burners,
will help distinguish between hot areas.
- Sliding cabinet doors work better for people seated in a
wheelchair.
- If you are remodeling consider adjusting some of the work
surfaces to a 30-inch height rather than the standard 36-inch
height. This will aid a person who is seated or a child who may
want to help out in the kitchen. It is also good for those who
suffer with back problems or have limited reach.
- Countertops with rounded edges can reduce injury if someone
should happen to fall or bump into them.
- Wallcoverings can be used to distinguish between areas. Bright
colors are helpful for people who have limited vision or limited
depth perception to distinguish between walls, cabinets, doorways,
etc.
- Motion sensors and timers can be used to turn lights off
and on. This is especially helpful for those who have difficulties
with reaching.
Bathroom
- Make sure the switches are at a height that is easy to reach
for someone seated in a wheelchair. Small children also benefit
from this accessibility design consideration.
- Tubs and showers should be equipped with grab bars, hand
held showerheads, non-slip flooring and seats.
- When installing grab bars in a private residence, when possible,
ask the person who will be using them to determine the location
for installation.
- Lower the water heater thermostat to prevent accidental scalding.
This is also a good idea if you have small children in the household.
Exterior Accessibility Tips
- Consider the home's exterior when designing for accessibility
and adaptability.
- Putting a shelf or shelves next to an entry door to set packages
on is handy and inexpensive to make.
- Guardrails should be installed on both sides of wheelchair
ramps.
- For full accessibility, driveways and walkways need to be
wide enough that car doors and sliding doors on passenger vans
can be fully opened with enough space left for a wheelchair to
maneuver around easily.
- Surfaces should have non-skid finishes to prevent slipping.
- Porches should have a wide radius to allow a wheelchair user
to maneuver comfortably .
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic