A Home of One’s Own Creating an accessible home to meet your specific needs

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

WHAT IS AN ACCESSIBLE HOME?

According to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, an accessible home is one that encourages independent living and features a wide range of modifications that are accessible, adaptable, visible, and universal to everyone who needs them. These modifications may include wider doorways, walkin showers, grab bars, lower countertops, ramps, smooth flooring and more. Smart Home technology can also help the physically challenged manage their living space with the help of voice-activated software allowing them to turn lights on and off, control temperature settings and close their blinds with ease.

Whether you are starting from scratch with a new home, or retrofitting an existing abode, there are firms who specialize in the design and installation of home modification features that will improve your accessibility. There are also grant programs that provide financial assistance for those who need some help. The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification has a directory to help you locate any potential programs that may cover disability modifications.

Meeting The Need

Naturally, when choosing appropriate modifications, it is important to evaluate your specific needs in order to choose the features and elements that are important to you. Those who merely want to “age in place” may benefit from an assortment of typical features that will be helpful in time, such as a one-story floor plan, walk-in shower, grab bar and wider hallways and doorways in case mobility becomes a factor at some point. Those who already experience mobility issues or who are confined to a wheelchair may need a more accessible closet design, smooth floors, roll under countertops and appliances with controls that are easily reached.

Voice-activated controls and smart home technology that can respond to voice commands are not only great for those who have limited mobility but also those who are visually impaired and rely on oral or tactile features in their home. Samsung has created a washing machine that includes some braille on its controls, while other manufacturers have created tactile buttons on appliances that are easier for the visually impaired to navigate. Additional tones and clicks are helpful as well to give these homeowners clear feedback when performing their daily tasks. To support these customers, manufacturers are also providing the visually impaired with audio versions of their appliance manuals to help with installation and troubleshooting needs.

Home accessibility varies depending on the people who live there, but the United Disability Services Foundation is ready to help. The UDS has created an extensive Home Accessibility Checklist to help people with disabilities and limited mobility stay in their homes longer. From the front door to the bedroom closet, they have the tips you (and your contractor) need to get started along with online assistance and support. For more information, visit www.udservices.org/home-accessibility-checklist/. n