Every space where people spend time together should provide comfort and safety to each dweller, and most importantly to those with limited mobility and other impairments. Building a place that is accessible to all ensures that a person living with a disability lives an independent life, which improves his or her zeal for life. An accessible public space also creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere for a lifetime, with no need for modifications in case of an injury in the future. Furthermore, a space that is accessible to all is a welcoming shelter to all visitors regardless of their disability.
While building an accessible place, it is also good to make it sustainable. This will not only save you money in the long run but will also show your kindness to both humanity and the environment. The following are areas that you should consider.
Install a wheelchair lift
If your place has multiple stairs, the staircase can be an obstacle for a person who uses a wheelchair. Sure, you can have them use a bedroom on the ground floor, but for people to really feel like they are at home, everybody needs to have access to every corner of the building. A simple and easy solution for this is a wheelchair lift. These are built to fit any kind of buildings, so you can be sure to find one that fits your space and matches your décor. They are also reliable, quiet, and safe. With a wheelchair lift, the person using a wheelchair can easily go up to the top floors to enjoy amenities such as a balcony. There are also no restrictions on the bedroom that he or she can use.
Make toilets and bathrooms user-friendly
Toilets and bathrooms can be hazardous to people with mobility limitations due to the high possibility of slipping and falling. You can start by making your floors anti-slippery by installing a non-slip floor or adding non-slip mats at the shower door. Add some grab rails in the toilet to aid them in sitting and standing up. Taps and fittings should be at an arm’s length to ensure that they don’t struggle to reach them. In addition, ensure that the space under the sinks remains empty so that the wheelchair can slip closer. A great addition that can make a bathroom accessible to all is incorporating technology such as smart showers. Make it green by including water-saving features such as low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets.
Turn your garage into accessible laneway quarters
Transforming your garage into a laneway provides extra living space for people using the place. You can also turn it into a source of supplementary income by renting it out or making it a writing retreat where you can host fellow writers who need a quiet place to complete their writing tasks. However, as you do this, remember to make it accessible to all by using features that aid people with mobility impairments. For starters, use slip-resistant flooring and easy-to-reach surfaces. Make pathways accessible by eliminating stairs and using ramps and handrails in sloping areas. The doors should open away from the user. Alternatively, they should have a space of about 24” beside the door on the latch side. Additionally, install rooftop solar panels; an energy-generating technique that will make it sustainable.
Widen the driveway
Accessible driveways should provide enough room to make parking as well as getting in and out of the car easy. Consider adding about a meter to your drive to make it wide enough for this. You should also ensure that the area between the driveway and the front door doesn’t have steep inclines or stairs. In addition, consider using sustainable materials for your driveway. For instance, you can use permeable concrete to improve water absorption and reduce the possibility of flooding. However, make sure to use a professional for the concrete installation on not only the driveway but also in the rest of the building where you need concrete installed.
Living area/ kitchen
The possibility is that most people spend a lot of time in kitchens. Making them accessible to all ensures that a member using a wheelchair or any other walking aid is never left out of conversations. For starters, avoid using a carpet as it can prove a hard surface for wheels to roll. Timber flooring or tiles are better choices, but be sure to avoid high-slip tiles. Create ample spacing in the living room by pushing furniture further away or using small-scale furniture. In addition, avoid using curtains that drape to the floor as they can cause tripping. It is also important to use wider doors that open away from the user with knobs that are easy to use.
When it comes to the kitchen, make counters accessible by having them lowered. Just like in the bathroom, leave the area under the sink empty for the wheelchair to get closer. In addition, make drawers your storage option, but be sure to install handles that are easy to use. Kitchen appliances should also support use by people with limited mobility. For instance, an oven that opens sideways can be a great addition.
Conclusion
There is a lot that you can do to make your place accessible. The above points give you an idea of some of the areas that you can consider. However, it is good to work with an expert who can advise you on the best solutions for your space. Additionally, consider using smart technology with voice commands for wheelchair users and people with sight impairments as well as touch options for people with other impairments such as hearing problems.
