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Design Tips Exterior: It is necessary not only to look at the interior of a home, but also the exterior when it comes to accessible/adaptable design. If you have some degree of limited mobility or use a wheelchair, getting to your front door may be an obstacle course. Interior: Designing the interior of a home is critical for accessibility, especially the kitchen and bath areas. We have emphasized wheelchair accessibility issues within these areas and included other areas as well.Get design ideas of how you can make your living space more user- friendly. Exterior: Lighting: Add lighting to your exterior steps and pathways. This is helpful for people with visual limitations. There are a number of products available that can meet your lighting needs. For information on what to look for, write to: National Lighting Bureau, 2101 L Street N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037. Phone: 202-457-8437. Doors: Tip: Putting a shelf or shelves next to an entry door for sitting packages on is very handy and inexpensive to make. Ramps: Ramps in new construction should have a maximum slope ratio of 1:12, however, a slope of 1:16 or 1:18 might be easier for a wheelchair user to navigate. Rule of thumb - use the least slope as possible. It is recommended that the minimum width be no less than 36". We suggest that you use a 44" to 48" width when installing the handrails to the inside of the ramp. Guardrails should be installed on both sides of the ramp. Handrails should be installed with the recommended height between 34"-38"; 24"-38" for children. Consider putting a ramp inside the garage (provided there is enough room for a negotiable slope) area leading to the interior of the home.This can provide a person protection from the weather. If this is not an option, consider adding a protective covering over the entryway from the vehicle. Garages, Driveways, Porches & Pathways: To be fully accessible, driveways and walkways need to be designed wider so that car doors and sliding doors on passenger vans can be fully opened with enough space left for a wheelchair to easily maneuver around. You should allow 24 feet width for double driveways. Surfaces should be of rough texture to prevent slipping. Porches built should have a radius of at least 5 feet. This allows someone in a wheelchair to comfortably maneuver. Pathways from your transportation point to the house should have a smooth surface and be as short as possible. Pathways should be kept well lite and free of debris. Interior: Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Laundry The Kitchen Sinks Cooktops & Stoves Microwave Ovens Refrigerators Cabinets Counter tops Floorcoverings Wallcoverings Dishwashers Lighting General Design Considerations: When designing or redesigning a kitchen you should make sure that the aisles are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. There should be a floor space clearance of 5 feet by 5 feet, to allow a wheelchair to easily maneuver within the space. Allow a minimum of 32 inches in width for doorways leading to the kitchen and the entry should have a flat threshold. Allow a minimum of 36 inches in width for walkways. Allow 30"-48" of clear space in front of appliances and workcenters to allow wheelchair users adequate space to maneuver. If a door is not required leading into the kitchen area, consider leaving it out. An appliance that has a pull down door, such as a dishwasher or oven should be approachable from both sides for wheelchair users. Sinks: Sink depth can be a very important consideration if the user is in a wheelchair. Some manufacturers provide sinks that are not as deep as your standard. Wheelchair users can benefit from a lowered sink height - 32", with the area underneath open. Consider building so that the height can be adjusted if needed in the future. Lever handles are best for faucets. Faucets that have extended handles and spouts are readily available in many styles and colors. Cooktops & Stoves: Cooktops & Stoves can be installed at a height that is good for either standing or sitting. A 32" height allows more accessibility for someone in a seated position. Consider raising the oven 6" off the floor to reduce the range of motion required to transfer food or dishes to countertops and cabinets. This can also apply to dishwashers. The area under the cooktop and sink can be left open to allow knee space for wheelchair users. The space should be at least 27 in. high x 30 in. wide x 19" deep. Braille overlays are available through some manufacturers. Check with your appliance manufacturer to see if they carry this item. 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. Control knob covers which slip easily over existing knobs are helpful for persons with arthritis or other conditions that may limit their hand grip. Some manufacturers will have these available. Also, covers can be made with soft foam covering material and held in place with friction tape. Adjustable mirror installed over range or cooktop can help a seated person see the back pots on a burner. Reachers are very handy in the kitchen for those in a seated position and for those with limited reach ability. These can be ready-made or improvised with tools you already have at home; such as: a metal potato masher can be used to turn knobs which are thin shaped. Slip one of the metal loops over the knob and turn. The handle will allow a good grip to push or turn.. Companies that sell Independent Living Aids have a wide variety of reachers to choose from. A good cooktop design is arranged so that the user doesn't have to reach across one burner to get to another. Front controls are are more easily accessible, especially in a seated position. Microwave Ovens : Place on lowered countertop for easy access for person who is seated. Provide space next to microwave for transferring food. Built-in microwaves above ovens are usually too high for a seated person to access. Cabinets & Storage: Side swing doors on ovens and microwaves are easier for loading and unloading food. Sliding cabinet doors work better for people seated in a wheelchair. Top cabinets can be lowered to countertop level for easier access, between 12" - 15" above counter.. Base cabinets can be equipped with full-extension drawers or rollout shelves to be more accessible. Select hardware that can be operated with a closed fist and no more that 5 pounds of pressure. Lever handles are best for faucets and doors. Loop handles are best for drawers. Countertops: 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. In tight spaces you can consider slide-out counters as an alternative. Countertops with rounded edges can reduce injury if someone should happen to fall or bump into them. For people with low vision, countertops with a contrasting color edging can help distinquish where the counter ends. This is especially helpful for elderly people who's eye site may be dimenishing. For Food Preparation Surfaces, choose smooth, matte-finish countertops such as marble, wood, granite, or a solid surface material to prevent glare and allow heavy pots and pans to slide easily from sink to cooktop. Floorcoverings: Proper floorcovering can aid vision and improve mobility. Borders can warn a person with poor sight of a change in floor type or texture. Avoid using light colored floors when possible. Light colors are more likely to show up scratch marks from walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Wallcoverings: Wallcoverings can be used to distinquish between areas. Bright colors are helpful for people who have limited vision or limited depth perception to distinquish between walls, cabinets, doorways, etc. Dark colors can reduce visibility in a room. Lighting: When possible use natural lighting. It is more diffuse than artificial lighting which makes it easier to see. Motion sensors and timers can be used to turn lights off and on. This is especially helpful for those who have difficulties with reaching. Position dimmers, switches, and thermostats between 42 inches and 48 inches above the floor. Dishwashers: Dishwashers should have front controls with clearly visible indicators that mark the cycle stage in operation to avoid accidents from opening the door too soon. Door handles should be easily operated by anyone. Racks, soap dispenser, and silverware holder should be within easy reach. Refrigerators: A side-by-side refrigerator/freezer is the most accessible. Slide out shelves are most convenient along with see through shelving. If your space only allows for a single door make sure that a large portion of the freezer is accessible to someone in a seated position. The Bathroom Doors Flooring Toilets & Wash Basins Wall Switches Vanities & Mirrors Faucets Lighting Grab Bars Tubs & Showers Storage & Accessories Doors: The bathroom entry door should be wide enough to permit wheelchair entry and also, wide enough to permit a person using a walker to enter without having to turn at an angle. The suggested minimum width for the door is 32 inches, however a 36 inch width is more desirable, when possible. You may want to consider installing a pocket door that slides inside the wall. This cuts down on space usage. If this is not an option, consider having the bathroom door swing outward into the hallway rather than inward. Flooring: First and foremost, the area of clearance space for the floor area is very important for the maneuverability of a wheelchair. It is recommended that the floor clearance space be 5 feet by 5 feet (36 inches in all directions) to allow for a wheelchair to turn a full 360 degrees with ease. Install non-skid flooring to prevent accidental slippage. This is also highly recommended if you have small children or someone elderly living in the household. Ceramic tile can be safely used if it is the type used in hospitals. Toilets & Wash Basins: For someone who uses a wheelchair, it is important that bathroom fixtures such as toilets and wash basins be at an appropriate height. Toilet seats should be at least 15 inches above the floor and equipped with grab bars (floor- or wall-mounted or attached to the toilet itself). For the necessary height you can install a specially designed tall toilet, or a wall-mounted unit. You can save on expense by using an elevated seat over the original toilet. Wall mounted lavatories are the most convenient for someone who is in wheelchair. They will be able to pull up to the basin more easily. Sinks should be mounted at a height that allows the wheelchair to roll underneath it, usually a 30-inch clearance space. This may require that you remove the cabinet doors below the sink. Make sure that care is taken to cover exposed pipes and sharp edges and surfaces. Wall Switches: Switches can be mounted adjacent to doors and can also be aligned with door handles making them easier to locate. Someone with a visual impairment can benefit greatly from this design consideration. Make sure that the switches are at a height that can be reachable for someone who is in a seated position. Small children can also benefit from this design consideration. Press-pad switches are easier to use for almost everyone. Vanities & Mirrors: Consider door knobs that have the best grip when selecting vanities. Door knobs with a D-shaped design is easier to grip. Drawer pulls designed for someone to put their fingers through are highly recommended. Mirrors should be hung low enough to be used by a person in a wheelchair. Tilt the mirror at a downward angle for best viewing by someone in a seated position. Faucets: Faucets with single-lever controls or loops are easier to handle. Use anti-scalding temperature controls on all water faucets (including in bath and shower area) Lighting: For those who have reduced vision, provide lights that are bright enough to read prescription labels to avoid any mistakes with medication dosage. Consider using natural lighting, non-glare lighting and adjustable lighting. Grab Bars: When installing grab bars in a private residence, when possible, ask the person who will be using them to determine the location for installation. Installing grab bars at the vanity area is good for someone who is less abled and may need extra support when doing their daily hygiene activities. They are also needed for someone who is in a wheelchair to assist in transfer. Grab bars should be installed at the toilet area to assist in sitting and standing, and around the bathtub and/or shower area to assist a person getting in and out. Make sure that the grab bars are well anchored, with screws into wood framing and not just plaster. You may need to make some alterations to accommodate this if there is no wood framing inside the wall at this time, however, it's very important for safety purposes. Tubs & Showers: When building a new home you may want to consider some pre-fabricated tubs and showers that's on the market. Tubs and showers should be equipped with grab bars, hand held showerheads, non-slip flooring and seats. When possible, consider placing plumbing fixtures in the bath tub area near the front entry rather than the standard center location. Faucets should be within easy reach and easily operable with one hand. For individuals without the use of their hands or who have limited strength, faucets equipped with electronic sensors are designed to automatically turn water on and off. A single lever faucet is also an option. You can turn down the water heater thermostat to prevent accidental scalding. This is also a good idea if you have small children in the household. Storage & Accessories: Use adjustable height storage space where possible. This ensures that someone in a seated position or has problems reaching or bending will have easy access. It is also important to remember that the tissue holder needs to be mounted within a convenient reach. The Bedroom General Considerations : The bathroom should be close to the bedroom for easy access. There should be a clear path to a bathroom that is easily negotiable in the dark. This is important for the elderly and also for wheelchair users. An emergency escape route though a window or other door is essential. Windows that bring light to the bedroom is important, especially if someone spends a lot of time in their room. There should be clear space around objects for easy maneuverability, especially if someone uses a wheelchair. Closets should be made accessible. Consider designing wiring that will accommodate medical equipment that may be used in the future. The 32 inch minimum width doors should apply. Walk-in or roll-in closets are the most accessible. Doors should have a 32 inch clear width. Avoid sliding doors that have tracks on the floor - consider hardware that is suspended from the top of closet. Clothes Rods can be designed at variable heights that can be easily accessed by someone in a wheelchair, or a child. Modular closet units are a good choice. Windows can be used as a good light source as well as an emergency escape route. Skylights can be an option if there is a need for improved lighting. Locate windows where you can have plenty of clear floor space around them. Hardware should be at a reach of 20"-44" above the floor for easier access. Automatic window openers and drapery openers can be an option if windows need to be placed over furniture. Window heights should be accessible for emergency escape if a person is in a wheelchair. Approximately 18" - 20" from the floor. When arranging the furniture allow 36" clear space on both sides of the bed. This is a very important feature for someone that uses a wheelchair. The Laundry Room General Considerations : Controls on the back of a the washer and dryer may be difficult to reach if you use a wheelchair. Place cabinets that hold such things as detergent and other cleaning agents at a lowered height near the washer for easier access. Consider front loading washers and dryers and place them on a platform, approximately 8" - 10" in height. Window widths should be 30" in case a person may need to sit on the sill and then lift their legs over to exit.

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