Indoors
Step1
Remove loose carpets or rugs.
Step2
Change doorknobs to lever-type handles.
Step3
Replace narrow doors with pocket doors or even curtains.
Step4
Move furniture to allow at least a 32-inch path and a 5-foot turning radius.
Step5
Add a 36-inch string to each door handle. A wheelchair user can use this to pull the door closed when moving through the doorway.
Step6
Add furniture coasters or decorated, small blocks of wood to raise tables and desks above knee level.
Step7
Tack or glue down small, wedge-shaped pieces of wood or metal to serve as mini ramps over high door thresholds.
Step8
Use drop leaf, roll-away carts for kitchen work areas.
Step9
Change bathroom vanity-style sink fixtures to pedestal types.
Step10
Change the toilet to a taller, narrower handicapped toilet to permit access by commode wheelchair.
Step11
Install grab bars as necessary in the bathroom.
Step12
Install a nonslip floor in the bathroom.
Step13
Install a hose/nozzle system in the shower.
Step14
Put in a water-powered ascending/descending tub seat.
Step15
Install lever handles on kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Step16
Consider changing appliances to front-control, front-access types.
Step17
Plan an emergency exit for the wheelchair user.
Outdoors
Step1
Install a ramp for at least one entrance/exit of the dwelling. The ramp should be built at no more than a 1-to-12 gradient.
Step2
Convert gravel walks to concrete for all-weather access.
Step3
Construct ramp access to the garage or carport to allow sheltered entrance into and exit from a vehicle.
Step4
Move the mailbox to an accessible point.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 Install a simple door handle on the inside swing of a door about 8 to 10 inches from the hinge side, to assist in closing the door. You can open the door, go through and reach back, grab the new handle and close the door without having to turn around and grab the door knob.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Protect your walls or your rent deposit. Install wall coverings on corners and walls. Wheelchairs can do serious damage over time.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Get metal or plastic coverings for wall edges. Protecting the walls can save you your deposit if you are a tenant.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Take the cabinet under your sink out, so you can easily roll up to wash dishes, chop your vegetables, etc.
Ask a carpenter to make drawers where all your lower cabinets are. A mirror mounted over the stove will let you see what's cooking.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 a two car garage is needed for a van with a side lift.