Celebrations, family vacations, work assignments, and even our everyday routines are all arranged. When it comes to building a home, though, we tend to concentrate on our immediate needs rather than preparing for the future. Change is the rule of nature, and our lives are steadfast obedient to it. As our mental and physical health deteriorates, so do our requirements.
The desire to make a home as accessible as possible to all, regardless of their physical condition or capacity, contributed to the introduction of the concept of ‘Universal Design’ for homes. A previous iteration of the definition, known as “barrier-free” infrastructure, was primarily perceived as a concept relevant to disability, and was thus advocated and heeded only by people with disabilities.
Below are some tips to keep in mind when constructing wheelchair and disability free homes.
1. Turn-Around Space
Turning around in a wheelchair will take up to 60 inches. If it’s too crowded, you’ll start bumping into things and knocking things down, much like in doorways and hallways. It’s fantastic to have that much room in the house.
2. Clear Path
Have a place to put all that prevents the path from being clogged. If a wheelchair or walker comes through the door and slips, don’t leave your shoes by the door. This goes for toys and whatever other messes you have in your house.
3. Seating
People with disabilities suffer from muscle spasms, which cause their arms to shoot up in the air at random. With their arms outstretched, you must be extra cautious of sharp corners, furniture, doorways, small spaces, decor on bookshelves or tables, your dinner plate, and so on, because they can and will knock things off and injure themselves if you aren’t careful.
4. Ramps and Rails
You must be mindful of variations in elevation. Many houses have at least one or two steps, and many have a full flight of stairs. Wheelchair-bound children may be raised a few inches, but when they get older, they become heavier. Furthermore, wheelchairs are extremely large (in the 80 lb. range). Rails are important for those who do not use a wheelchair but have mobility issues. They have only a smidgeon of comfort.
5. Doorways and Halls
Since wheelchairs and walkers take up a lot of room, the wider the space, the better. The average doorway is 23–27 inches wide, but the ADA needs a door frame to be at least 32 inches wide to fit a wheelchair. French doors are a fantastic option. Also make sure the doorways and halls are made of glass so natural lighting can come in as much as possible.
Empowered Liveability provides safe and secure housing schemes all over Melbourne and has been providing various services since many years such as Specialist Disability Accommodation Melbourne. For more information about our services please contact us on our 24/7 available service at 1300-974-912 or email us at admin@empoweredliveability.com.au. You can also visit our office located at 49 Keilor Park, VIC.
