Home Modifications
The Road to Independence
Universal Design Opening every door. It enables everyone not
just people with disabilities to navigate, manipulate and appreciate ones environment.
Example: Non-Slip Flooring is safer for all sorts of feet.
UD makes products, communications and the built environment aesthetically pleasing but also more usable by more people - at little or no extra cost.
ADA and Home Modifications ADA Guidelines do not have to be followed to
the letter, but they are a good reference. When evaluating a client you should look at
the whole picture. Client’s daily routine (work –vs.- home all day).
- Home Modifications- ADL within the home- Vehicle Modifications- Seating and Mobility- Jobsite Accommodation
All of these should be addressed and evaluated when looking at the “whole picture” of enhancing the independence of a person with a disability.
Accessibility Our purpose is to provide easy and safe
access:
– Access in and out of the vehicle and into the home
– Accessibility within the home environment– Accessibility should provide the greatest
degree of independence
ADA Ramp Guidelines for Ramps and Landings
1:12 ratio 3’ minimum for one way traffic 4’ -Allows one wheelchair and one walking
person to pass 5’ -Allows two wheelchairs to pass
5’ X 5’ at top of ramp, a change in direction (switchback ramp) and and at the end of the ramp
Ramp Width and Landings
Handrails
Handrails are needed if:– Rise greater than 6 inches or– Run greater than 6 feet
Should be on both sides of the ramp Continuous If not continuous, must extent 1 foot (safety)
Problem and Solution
What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?
Pros and Cons of Ramps
Pros: - Provide gentle incline when accessing and exiting
the home– Provides independence and safe access for a
wheelchair user Cons: - Are large and aesthetically obtrusive
– Long - For walker may want to use large steps instead of ramp
• not an accessible solution for some– Requires maintenance
Before Example
After Example
There is another option - Lift
Pros and Cons of Lifts Pros:
– Require less space– require less maintenance– Less travel distance– Possibly receive quicker than wooden ramp
Cons:– Depend on electrical power
• have manual override, but requires assistance-• May require battery back up which adds to the cost
Before Example
After Example
Ramp Vs. Lift Low maintenance Cost
Sometimes quick and easier access
30' Wooden Ramp Built by
Contractor $4,200 Approximate Cost
of A Lift$6000.00-$8000.00
Aluminium Ramp $8,700
LiftsRamps
Portable Modular Ramps
EZ-ACCESS1704 B Street N.W. Building E Suite
110Auburn, Washington 98001Toll free: 1.800.451.1903
Fax: 1.253.939.7125Toll free fax: 1.800.630.2350
E-mail: [email protected]
Doorways ADA Guidelines Require 32” passageway but we attempt to get 36” passageway Bathroom Doors are smaller (24”) Not enough wheelchair clearance from hallway to bedroom and bathroom etc… Swing Away Hinges is an option/removing door jams
If Client can access tub– Tub transfer bench, tub lift– Hand held shower– Grab Bars – Lo tub with cut out and seat
Access to Tub
The Slider Shower/Tub Chair
Walk In Bath Tubs
www.ranetubs.com
21"
Roll in showers/Roll in shower chairs:
Custom Tile
Prefabricated
Roll in Shower Chairs
What’s wrong with this picture?
Client information:
- 22 year old female with MS and Lupus
- Has lost vision completely
- Unable to do any transfers independently
- Cannot get wheelchair into bathroom
- Currently get bed baths from mother
After Example
Before Modification Example
After Modification Example
After Modification Examples
Access to Toilet Client uses wheelchair
– wants toilet height at w/c seat height Client does not use wheelchair
– usually want high toilet– standard toilet - 15 inches– ADA guidelines - 18 inches
Access to Sink Lever Handles For Wheelchair users - free knee space
with insulate pipes underneath Mirror should be at eye level Electrical outlets should be ground fault
insulated
Before Example
After Modification Example
Before Example
After Example
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Additional ADL Aids SuperPole Stair lift Outdoor stair lift
Final Thoughts
Achieving a client’s ability to be as independent as possible is our goal. Always look at the whole picture of a person’s life from home, work, social and religious environments. The road to independence is a revolving door and one that will need nurturing throughout a person’s life.
Resources www.access-board.gov ADA Hotline
– 1-800-949-4232 www.homemods.org www.dynamic-living.com www.independentliving.com www.disabilitymall.com