Adaptation Tips | |
Many accessibility problems can be avoided or eliminated by making minor structural changes or by using any number of adaptive aids on the market. The following is a brief list of common accessibility problems and some possible adaptations. Problem: Narrow doors Adaptations: 1. Removing the door 2. Installing special hinges 3. Swing the door in the opposite direction 4. Consider widening the doorway Problem: Round knob fixtures/hardware Adaptations: Replace with lever or handle style Problem: Switches, outlets and thermostats located too high/low Adaptations: Use available products for remote control operation of switches and outlets; attach extension to switches; lower thermostats Problem: Lack of maneuvering room in the kitchen for wheelchair Adaptations: Consider moving some base cabinets to provide maneuvering room and knee spaces under countertop Problem: Wall cabinets that are too high Adaptations: Lower existing cabinets, add some new cabinets or add a free-standing storage cabinet Problem: High countertops Adaptations: Substitute a drop leaf cart with wheels. Leaf can be raised for food preparation and can be rolled to stove and refrigerator. Problem: Standard fire alarms Adaptations: For persons with hearing disabilities, install visual alarm systems that are triggered to go off when the standard alarm does. Problem: Standard doorbells Adaptations: Visual devices can be attached to the doorbell, even the door itself, to alert persons with hearing disabilities to visitors. Problem: Standard-height toilets and bathroom fixtures Adaptations: Most hospital and medical supply companies carry products that can be added on to standard toilets to raise the seat height. Many types of adaptive bathtub and shower aids are also on the market. These are just a few adaptations that are possible to increase the accessibility and comfort of a home occupied by a person with a disability, or a person with functional limitations due to aging. There are numerous companies that offer products designed to improve the accessibility and ease of living in a given house. For information on specific accessibility problems or adaptive techniques or aids, here are some resources for you to contact: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1111 18th Street, NW, Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036-3894, 800/USA-ABLE (Voice/TDD) Center for Accessible Housing School of Design, North Carolina State University, Box 8613, Raleigh, NC 27695-8613, 919/737-3082 (Voice/TDD) Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St., NW , Washington DC 20006, 202/416-7710 Designing, building, and remodeling with "barrier free" living in mind is desirable and logical. Wider doors and hallways, ground-level entrances, and an accessible ground-level bathroom are all elements that create a warm, inviting, aesthetic home that can be enjoyed by everyone. As America "comes of age," barrier-free housing is a first step toward easy living for one and all. Reprinted with permission by National Easter Seal Society, 230 West Monroe, Chicago, IL 60606 312/726-6200. Century 21 Real Estate Corp., P. O. Box 19564, Irvine, CA 92713-9564, 714/553-2100. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |