Rolstoel recently released an infographic that visualizes the important factors for making your home wheelchair accessible. By following these guidelines, wheelchair users can make everyday activities at home much more simpler and more convenient.
The infographic provides a blueprint for people with mobility issues and visualizes each room in the house to make their home wheelchair accessible.
Whether you may be moving to a new home, caring for an elderly person, or simply having a wheelchair-bound guest over your house, this infographic will outline exactly what to do around your home to make it wheelchair accessible.
Bedroom
- Phone/alert system near bed
- Overhang lift/manual trapeze to get in/out of bed
Bathroom
- Phone/alert system near toilet & shower
- Bath tub lift (13”-30” bottom)
- Commode lift
- Grab bars next to toilet
- Grab bars in tub & shower with 36” clearance
Exterior
- Vertical platform lift for higher outdoor staircases
- All-weather, outdoor stair lift
- Portable ramp (front entrance)
Kitchen
- Wheelchair-accessible countertop & cabinet height.
- Table: 27” floor-to-table height & 30” x 48” seat spacing
- Door (minimum 32” width)
Garage
- Garage entry/interior door ramp for safe, quick car access
- Wheelchair accessible floor area for easy car loading/unloading
- Entry door (minimum 32” width)
Basement
- A stair lift for easy basement access to washer, dryer, pantries, etc.
Accessibility Tips
Clear Pathways
Interior/exterior pathways should have accommodating widths for:
- Mobility scooters
- Rollators
- Power wheelchairs
- Standard wheelchairs
Standard Widths
36” for hallways
32” for doorways
Minimum clearance for 180 degree turns: 36” in all directions
Lighting
All rooms should be well-lit during evening, nighttime, and early morning.
Lighting controls should be easy to access and use.
Security
Phones & alert systems should be installed throughout the home for quick, easy access
A reliable security or alarm system should be installed to protect you & your home
Sources:
https://www.wilmington.va.gov/services/hisa.asp
https://www.adaptiveaccess.com/home_changes.php
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/remodeling/how-to-make-your-home-handicap-accessible.htm
https://lifecenter.ric.org/index.php?tray=content&cid=2246
https://www.ada.gov/racheck.pdf
