French doors are easy to use in a wheelchair.
Homes designed for handicapped access have features that everyone can use. Specifications for kitchens, bathrooms, doorways and interior rooms call for enough space to turn a wheelchair in. Architects, home builders and commercial apartment developers can follow these guidelines to assure that all homes are easy for anyone to negotiate.
Doorways
Doorways must be at least 36 inches wide to allow wheelchairs through. Entry and exit doors should be at ground level with no more than a half-inch rise over the foundation, or have gently sloping ramps so that anyone in a wheelchair can get in and out easily. A slope of one foot for every 20 feet of ramp is the universal guideline. Lever door handles for the entry and interior doors make it easier for people to open the doors.
Kitchens and Baths
Single-lever faucets make it much easier to turn the water on and off. Anti-scald valves help handicapped people avoid burns should the cold water pressure fail. Bathrooms should have at least 5 feet of open flooring so that the wheelchair is easy to turn. The sinks in the kitchen and bath should be located close to the rim of the counters and have a minimum of 29 inches for knee space beneath the cabinet that supports the sink.
Grab bars in the bathroom by the shower or tub provide stability for bathers and keeping bars close to the toilets helps the user navigate from the wheelchair or other device. The grab bars need to be solidly anchored to the walls.
Interior Considerations
Hallways should be 42 inches wide for easy navigation. Electrical outlets that are placed at least 18 inches above the floor allow people in wheelchairs to easily plug and unplug lamps or appliances. Light switches that are between 36 and 44 inches above the floor are easy to reach from a wheelchair. Rocker switches are the easiest to turn on and off.
Garages
The garage or parking area should be large enough for someone to exit a handicapped van or vehicle easily. Motorized garage doors help enter and exit the garage. The garage or parking area should be at the same level as the entrance doors to the house.
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