For a handicapped person, moving comfortably and freely inside the home can present a challenge. If the home wasn't originally designed to be handicapped-friendly, even the simplest chores can be difficult, if not impossible, making the handicapped person feel helpless and dependent on others. Fortunately, you can design a home or modify an existing one so it's accessible for the handicapped, giving the disabled individual increased mobility and independence.
Instructions
1. Design the front door of the house and inside doors to be 34 to 36 inches wide to allow passage of a wheelchair. Make the doorways in the smaller rooms at least 60 inches so the wheelchair will be able to make a comfortable turn. Install doors with swing-away hinges if it's not possible to widen the doorways.
2. Install an elevated toilet in the bathroom that has an adjustable seat. Hang grab bars along the walls on either side of the toilet to make standing and sitting easier for the handicapped person. Install a transfer or roll-in shower that contains a hand-held attachment. Place a bench or chair in the shower for the person to sit on while he bathes himself. Install a non-slip mat or tiles on the bathroom floor and also inside the shower.
3. Remove any lower cabinet doors under the kitchen sink and work counter to permit a wheelchair user to easily roll up close to the counter for food preparation. Install low kitchen cabinets that are no higher than 30 inches for easy access. Use D-shaped drawer and cabinet pulls instead of traditional round knobs, which are more difficult for the handicapped to grip easily. Install the kitchen sink, refrigerator, stove and oven at accessible heights.
4. Install access ramps, grab bars and hand rails along any areas where there are steps, both inside and outside the house. The ramp should slope gently. An elevator can be installed inside a house to take the handicapped person to the upper floors.
5. Install light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other electrical and environmental controls at locations in the home within easy reach for a .
6. Install casement windows that are easy for a handicapped person to open and close with a crank. Select simple window coverings that stay out of the way while the window crank is being operated.
Tags: handicapped person, grab bars, handicapped person Install, Install kitchen, kitchen sink, person Install