Home Modifications: Home Modifications The Road to Independence
Universal Design: Universal Design Opening every door. It enables everyone not just people with disabilities to navigate, manipulate and appreciate ones environment.
Example: Non-Slip Flooring is safer for all sorts of feet.
UD makes products, communications and the built environment aesthetically pleasing but also more usable by more people - at little or no extra cost.
ADA and Home Modifications: ADA and Home Modifications ADA Guidelines do not have to be followed to the letter, but they are a good reference.
When evaluating a client you should look at the whole picture. Client’s daily routine (work –vs.- home all day).
- Home Modifications
- ADL within the home
- Vehicle Modifications
- Seating and Mobility
- Jobsite Accommodation
All of these should be addressed and evaluated when looking at the “whole picture” of enhancing the independence of a person with a disability.
Accessibility: Accessibility Our purpose is to provide easy and safe access:
Access in and out of the vehicle and into the home
Accessibility within the home environment
Accessibility should provide the greatest degree of independence
ADA Ramp Guidelines for Ramps and Landings: ADA Ramp Guidelines for Ramps and Landings 1:12 ratio
3’ minimum for one way traffic
4’ -Allows one wheelchair and one walking person to pass
5’ -Allows two wheelchairs to pass
5’ X 5’ at top of ramp, a change in direction (switchback ramp) and and at the end of the ramp Ramp Width and Landings
Handrails: Handrails Handrails are needed if:
Rise greater than 6 inches or
Run greater than 6 feet
Should be on both sides of the ramp
Continuous
If not continuous, must extent 1 foot (safety)
Problem and Solution: Problem and Solution
What’s wrong with this picture?: What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?: What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?: What’s wrong with this picture?
Pros and Cons of Ramps: Pros and Cons of Ramps Pros:
- Provide gentle incline when accessing and exiting the home
Provides independence and safe access for a wheelchair user
Cons:
- Are large and aesthetically obtrusive
Long - For walker may want to use large steps instead of ramp
not an accessible solution for some
Requires maintenance
Before Example: Before Example
After Example: After Example
There is another option - Lift: There is another option - Lift
Pros and Cons of Lifts: Pros and Cons of Lifts Pros:
Require less space
require less maintenance
Less travel distance
Possibly receive quicker than wooden ramp
Cons:
Depend on electrical power
have manual override, but requires assistance-
May require battery back up which adds to the cost
Slide16: Before Example
Slide17: After Example
Ramp Vs. Lift: Ramp Vs. Lift Low maintenance
Cost
Sometimes quick and easier access
Slide20: Portable Modular Ramps EZ-ACCESS 1704 B Street N.W. Building E Suite 110 Auburn, Washington 98001 Toll free: 1.800.451.1903 Fax: 1.253.939.7125 Toll free fax: 1.800.630.2350
E-mail: customerservice@ezaccess.com
Doorways: Doorways ADA Guidelines Require 32” passageway but we attempt to get 36” passageway
Bathroom Doors are smaller (24”)
Not enough wheelchair clearance from hallway to bedroom and bathroom etc…
Swing Away Hinges is an option/removing door jams
Access to Tub: If Client can access tub
Tub transfer bench, tub lift
Hand held shower
Grab Bars
Lo tub with cut out and seat Access to Tub
The Slider Shower/Tub Chair: The Slider Shower/Tub Chair Walk In Bath Tubs www.ranetubs.com 21"
Slide24: Roll in showers/Roll in shower chairs:
Custom Tile
Prefabricated
Roll in Shower Chairs: Roll in Shower Chairs
What’s wrong with this picture?: What’s wrong with this picture? Client information:
- 22 year old female with MS and Lupus
- Has lost vision completely
- Unable to do any transfers independently
- Cannot get wheelchair into bathroom
- Currently get bed baths from mother
After Example: After Example
Before Modification Example: Before Modification Example
After Modification Example: After Modification Example
After Modification Examples: After Modification Examples
Access to Toilet: Access to Toilet Client uses wheelchair
wants toilet height at w/c seat height
Client does not use wheelchair
usually want high toilet
standard toilet - 15 inches
ADA guidelines - 18 inches
Access to Sink: Access to Sink Lever Handles
For Wheelchair users - free knee space
with insulate pipes underneath
Mirror should be at eye level
Electrical outlets should be ground fault insulated
Before Example: Before Example
After Modification Example: After Modification Example
Before Example: Before Example
After Example: After Example
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications: Miscellaneous Modifications
Additional ADL Aids: Additional ADL Aids SuperPole Stair lift Outdoor stair lift
Final Thoughts: Final Thoughts Achieving a client’s ability to be as independent as possible is our goal. Always look at the whole picture of a person’s life from home, work, social and religious environments. The road to independence is a revolving door and one that will need nurturing throughout a person’s life.
Resources: Resources www.access-board.gov
ADA Hotline
1-800-949-4232
www.homemods.org
www.dynamic-living.com
www.independentliving.com
www.disabilitymall.com