Home Modifications
The Road to Independence
Universal Design
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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
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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
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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
Ramp Width and Landings
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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
Handrails
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Handrails are needed if:
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– 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)
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Problem and Solution
What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?
What’s wrong with this picture?
Pros and Cons of Ramps
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Pros:
- Provide gentle incline when accessing and exiting
the home
– Provides independence and safe access for a
wheelchair user
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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
After Example
There is another option - Lift
Pros and Cons of Lifts
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Pros:
– Require less space
– require less maintenance
– Less travel distance
– Possibly receive quicker than wooden
ramp
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Cons:
– Depend on electrical power
• have manual override, but requires assistance• May require battery back up which adds to the
cost
Before Example
After Example
Ramp Vs. Lift
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Low maintenance
Cost
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Sometimes quick and easier access
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Ramps
30' Wooden
Ramp Built by
Contractor
Aluminium Ramp
Lifts
$4,200
$8,700
Approximate Cost $6000.00of A Lift
$8000.00
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
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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
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If Client can access tub
– Tub transfer bench, tub lift
– Hand held shower
– Grab Bars
– Lo tub with cut out and seat
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Walk In Bath Tubs
The Slider Shower/Tub Chair
21"
www.ranetubs.com
Roll in showers/Roll in shower chairs:
Custom Tile
Prefabricated
Roll in Shower Chairs
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
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Before Modification Example
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After Modification Example
After Modification Examples
Access to Toilet
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Client uses wheelchair
– wants toilet height at w/c seat height
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Client does not use wheelchair
– usually want high toilet
– standard toilet - 15 inches
– ADA guidelines - 18 inches
Access to Sink
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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
After Modification Example
Before Example
After Example
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Miscellaneous Modifications
Additional ADL Aids
SuperPole
Stair lift
Outdoor stair lift
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
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www.access-board.gov
ADA Hotline
– 1-800-949-4232
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www.homemods.org
www.dynamic-living.com
www.independentliving.com
www.disabilitymall.com