ADA Design Ideas by Patrick Young & BLDG PROJECTS
Author: Patrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances--the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether. He created Able USA to offer helpful resources to people with disabilities and to provide advice on navigating various aspects of life as a person with disabilities.
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Designing a Home that Welcomes and Supports Everyone's Needs.
Designing an accessible home involves thoughtful planning and the integration of features that ensure safety, comfort, and convenience for all residents, including those with disabilities. This process enhances the quality of life for occupants, making the living space more inclusive and adaptable to various needs. An accessible home supports independence and well-being, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and feel secure in their surroundings. This guide from BLDG Projects can get you started.
Outdoor Accessibility
Your first step in building an accessible home is to plan for accessible outdoor spaces. This includes creating pathways that are wide enough for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, ensuring they are made of smooth, non-slip materials. Consider the gradient of ramps, making sure they are gentle enough for easy navigation. Outdoor spaces should also have adequate lighting for safety and ease of movement. Accessible gardens and patios can enhance the overall living experience and create a great place to relax.
Adjustable Interiors
Incorporating adjustable countertops and cabinetry in your kitchen and bathrooms is a crucial step. These features allow you to customize the height of surfaces and storage areas, making them accessible for people of varying heights and those who use wheelchairs. Adjustable countertops provide flexibility and ease of use, ensuring that everyone in the household can perform daily tasks comfortably and independently. This adaptability is essential in creating a functional and accessible home environment.
User-Friendly Fixtures
When designing an accessible home, selecting lever-style door handles and faucets is a practical choice. These handles are easier to operate than traditional knobs, requiring less grip strength and dexterity. Lever-style handles can be opened with a closed fist or an elbow, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or limited hand function. Similarly, lever faucets can be operated with minimal effort.
Spacious Navigation
Another important consideration is planning for ample turning space throughout your home. This involves ensuring that rooms, hallways, and entryways are spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 60 inches of turning space in key areas to allow for easy maneuvering. Adequate turning space not only enhances mobility but also reduces the risk of accidents and makes daily living more convenient for everyone.
Safety Features
Installing grab bars and handrails is a vital component of an accessible home. These safety features should be placed in areas where extra support is needed, such as bathrooms, stairways, and hallways. Grab bars can assist with balance and stability, helping to prevent falls and provide confidence for individuals with mobility challenges. Handrails along stairways and ramps offer additional support, making it easier and safer to navigate different levels.
Wide Access Points
When designing your accessible home, plan for wide doorways and hallways to ensure smooth and easy movement throughout the space. Doorways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids comfortably. Hallways should be similarly spacious, allowing for unimpeded navigation. Wide doorways and hallways not only enhance accessibility but also create a more open and inviting atmosphere, making your home feel more spacious and accommodating for everyone.
Home Office Design
If you work from home, incorporating a home office into your accessible home design is essential. To qualify as a home business tax deduction, your space must meet the requirements of regular and exclusive use and be the principal place of your business. This means that you use the room or space to conduct business only. Designing an accessible home office involves ensuring there is ample space for movement, adjustable furniture for comfort, and easy access to all necessary equipment and supplies. Not all business are allowed to “work from home”. Consult with BLDG PROJECTS or a Local Zoning Attorney to figure out necessities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Building an accessible dwelling unit requires careful consideration of various features that enhance safety, comfort, and independence for all residents. From planning accessible outdoor spaces to wide doorways and hallways, you can create a home that is inclusive and adaptable. An accessible home not only improves the quality of life for its occupants but also embodies the principles of universal design, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Ready to transform your space with innovative architecture and design? Visit BLDG Projects to explore our extensive portfolio and start your project today!
