Accessibility Checklist | |
When you preview a house for accessibility, specifically wheelchair, check each item that is presently available. Individual access needs vary greatly. Wheelchairs are used for different reasons and come in many different sizes so, while one person using a wheelchair may be able to get through a 32-in. doorway, another may need 36 in. Where a range of measurement is indicated on the accessibility checklist, note the exact width or height provided. This list will provide the user with a measure of existing accessibility features. Certainly all of these features are not necessary, not even desirable, to meet the needs of an individual with a disability. This checklist is intended to generate enough information about any given home to let people interested in accessibility features know if it warrants consideration. At the end of the checklist, you will find some general adaptation tips and resources. General -- One-story building -- Multi-level house with main level accessible entrance, bathroom and bedroom -- Level entry way or ramp with entry -- Wide doorways (32 in. - 36 in. clear width) -- Wide hallways (42 in. - 60 in.) -- Low-pile carpeting with thin padding -- Chair-height * (48 in. - 54 in.) doorbell/mailbox -- Chair-height electrical controls/outlets (excluding the kitchen, generally controls are 6 in. lower and outlets are 6 in. higher than standard) -- Chair-height push-button telephones/jacks -- Accessible, easily operated window controls, i.e., slide to side can be opened with one hand or less than eight pounds of pressure, located 24 in. - 28 in. from floor -- Direct outside emergency exit from bedroom -- Audio and visual smoke detectors -- Large windows, overhead lighting or several electrical outlets in each room (Lighting is a big consideration for persons with low vision.) * Note: Chair height is defined as how far a person using a wheelchair can reach. Using a front approach, chair-height for a person using a wheelchair is approximately 48 in. Using a parallel approach, chair height is about 54 in.) Kitchen -- Front control- operated range -- Countertop range -- Lowered wall oven (30 in. - 42 in.) -- Side-by-side, frost-free, dispenser-type refrigerator -- Varying countertop and cabinet heights -- Counters with pullout cutting boards -- Front control-operated, built-in dishwasher -- Front loading washer/dryer Bathroom -- Outswing doors -- Non-slip floors -- Grab bars -- Reinforced walls (i.e., 3/4 in. plywood backing throughout) for installation of grab bars -- 5 ft. square clear area (required for most wheelchair users to make a 360 degree turn) Since many wheelchair users can function in smaller areas, measure exactly clear floor space is less than 5 ft. -- Chair-height racks/shelves/cabinets -- Level handled faucets -- Lowered or tilted mirror -- Roll-under vanity top -- Hinged, fold-down seat in shower -- Roll-in shower with no curb -- Hand-held or adjustable shower head -- Bathtub with non-skid strips or surface -- Toilet seat 17 in. - 19 in. from floor; or wall mounted toilet -- Telephone outlet Bedroom -- Open floor plan -- Built-in cabinets have 6 in. baseboard recess -- Built-in wall bed -- Direct access to accessible bathroom -- Reinforced ceiling (to accommodate pulleys for lifting mechanisms) Closets -- Sliding doors or bi-folding doors -- Adjustable shelves and hanging rods -- Shallow shelves no more than 18 in. deep Garage -- Attached -- Oversized -- High ceiling (9 ft. 6 in. needed to accommodate a raised-top van -- Automatic door opener Other Considerations -- On or near public transporation -- Conveniently located to shopping area Reprinted with permission by National Easter Seal Society Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |