Creating an accessible space is not just about accommodating those with disabilities. It is about ensuring everyone—from children to senior citizens—can comfortably and safely navigate the area.
Accessible design features in homes and even establishments can boost property value and improve the experiences of all occupants. This blog post will share practical tips and ideas for making a home more accessible.
Understanding Accessibility Standards
Adhering to accessibility standards when designing or remodeling a building is important to ensure the space is usable for everyone. Two key standards in the United States are the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. While they are primarily mandatory for public buildings and certain housing types, they also provide valuable guidelines for creating accessible private homes.
Key accessibility features often include:
- Ramps: Ramps provide gradual access to different floor levels, eliminating the need for stairs.
- Grab Bars: Installed in bathrooms and near entryways, grab bars offer support and stability for individuals needing assistance.
- Wider Doorways: Wider doorways allow easier wheelchair access and accommodate individuals using mobility aids.
- Accessible Bathrooms: Accessible bathrooms include roll-in showers, lowered sinks, and grab bars.
Understanding and incorporating these standards into building design creates functional, inclusive, and welcoming residential and commercial spaces.
Planning for Accessibility
Planning should always be the first step when improving accessibility. Whether building a new house or remodeling an existing one, it is important to consider this feature from the beginning. This proactive approach can save time, money, and potential frustration. You can also ensure accessibility features blend seamlessly with the area’s overall aesthetic rather than appearing as afterthoughts.
Before starting the project, consider consulting accessibility experts or professionals. These specialists can:
- Assess the specific needs of residential or commercial sites
- Provide recommendations based on the latest accessibility standards and best practices
- Help prioritize modifications
- Suggest innovative solutions you might not have considered
- Ensure all changes comply with building codes
- Balance accessibility requirements with other design considerations
Their expertise is invaluable in creating spaces that are both accessible and aesthetically pleasing.
Accessibility Features for Different Areas of the Home
Building homes with accessibility in mind involves thoughtful planning. Each space presents unique challenges and opportunities for improvement. Here are the main parts of a house and strategies for enhancing their accessibility:
Entryways and Exits
Many people find it hard to use steps or high doorways, especially wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. To address this, install ramps with gentle slopes and ensure level pathways leading to entrances. Automatic doors or those with lever handles improve ease of use. Adequate lighting around entrances and exits also enhances visibility and safety, especially at night.
Living Areas
Navigating through cluttered or narrow living spaces can be difficult for individuals using mobility aids. To help, create open floor plans with enough room between furniture for easy movement. Provide accessible seating options—such as chairs with firm cushions and sturdy armrests—to help people sit down and stand up safely.
You should also consider height-adjustable tables, which work for wheelchair users. Lastly, ensure the room is well-lit and place light switches where everyone can reach them easily. These changes make the space easier for everyone to use.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Traditional bathrooms often pose significant challenges, with high bathtub walls and a lack of support features. Install walk-in showers with zero-threshold entries or bathtubs with transfer benches. Add grab bars near toilets, showers, and tubs for crucial support. Use non-slip surfaces on bathroom floors to prevent accidents as well.
In bedrooms, ensure ample space around beds for easy transfers and consider adjustable-height beds for improved comfort and accessibility.
Kitchens
Standard kitchen layouts can be problematic for wheelchair users or those with difficulty reaching high shelves. Install appliances at comfortable heights, such as wall ovens at counter level and dishwashers with drawer-style designs.
Provide knee clearance under sinks and cooktops for wheelchair users. You can also use pull-out shelves and lazy Susans in cabinets to make items more reachable. Choose non-slip flooring to prevent falls, especially in areas prone to spills.
Attics and Basements
Accessing storage areas in attics or basements can be dangerous or impossible for many individuals with mobility limitations. Install solutions like the GFRG-R ceiling access door for safe and easy access to attic storage areas. This door also makes it easier for maintenance workers to reach mechanical systems or equipment in residences and establishments.
Ensure adequate lighting, including motion-sensor lights for hands-free operation. For basements, consider installing non-slip stairs with secure handrails on both sides. If there is enough space, a small elevator or stairlift can improve accessibility between floors, making these often-overlooked areas fully usable for all household members.
Outdoor Areas
Outdoor spaces often present accessibility challenges due to uneven terrain, steps, and hard-to-reach garden areas. Using materials like textured concrete or compacted gravel, create even, non-slip pathways throughout the yard.
Install raised garden beds or vertical gardens to make gardening accessible for wheelchair users or those with difficulty bending. Ensure proper lighting along pathways and in key areas like patios. Consider also adding a covered entranceway to protect individuals from the weather.
Conclusion
Improving home accessibility creates an inclusive, comfortable environment for everyone. From understanding accessibility standards to implementing features in various spaces, thoughtful design can significantly enhance quality of life.
It is time to prioritize accessibility in construction and remodeling projects and consider current and future needs. Embracing these principles can help create residential properties, commercial spaces, and even industrial settings that are valuable, welcoming, and adaptable for all occupants.
