Making Your Home Accessible for Individuals with Disabilities

In 1965, Randy Stow's mother, Deloros, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis [source: Stow]. As the disease progressed and made daily tasks at home more difficult for her, Randy decided to leverage his expertise to modify her home to accommodate her changing needs. That was 18 years ago, and since then, Randy has assisted many others in transforming their homes to offer greater freedom and independence, whether due to illness, injury, or aging.

As reported in the 2000 census, nearly 50 million Americans live with some form of disability. Of these, 6.8 million face challenges that hinder their ability to bathe, dress, or move around inside their homes [source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau].

The number of individuals in the U.S. experiencing disabilities is expected to rise in the coming decades. The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics' 2008 report on Older Americans projects that by 2030, around 71.5 million people will be 65 or older, with disability rates rising significantly as people age.

As physical limitations impact a large segment of the population, both government bodies and private organizations have worked to address the need for accessible housing. While certain housing regulations exist, there are no federal standards mandating handicap accessibility for non-federally funded, detached single-family homes. Considering the research and practicality behind federal guidelines, it’s beneficial to refer to these and other design recommendations when striving to create a more accessible home.

This article will examine three distinct philosophies on making homes more accessible to all residents. We’ll also explore methods for integrating aspects from each philosophy into a single-family dwelling.

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An Accessible Yard for All

­While everyone’s needs and preferences may differ, there are numerous ways to make homes more user-friendly and accessible. First, consider the yard. Adding paths, raised beds, or hanging plants can greatly improve accessibility. Aim for a firm, level surface that accommodates wheelchairs while also providing traction for walkers [source: Hanchek]. Edging the paths will help keep both people on track and plants in their place.

Being able to access a home from the outside is one of the key factors in fully enjoying a living space [source: Vance]. Federal regulations generally mandate accessible entrances and pathways leading into buildings. The entry door should feature a threshold no higher than half an inch (roughly 13 mm) and should be sloped or rounded for ease of entry [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act].

One effective method to enhance accessibility at an entryway is to install a ramp. The ramp should have the mildest slope possible and be at least 36 inches (about 915 mm) wide to accommodate a wheelchair user [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act]. It’s also crucial to include handrails and curbs to prevent falls, and providing shelter from wind, rain, snow, or ice can increase safety further [source: Bode].

The home’s overall layout plays a major role in its usability and comfort. Universal design principles recommend placing key rooms such as a bedroom, kitchen, living area, and a full bathroom on the main floor [source: AARP].

Next, let’s move on to the interior of the house.

An Accessible Interior for All

Ensuring clear pathways through doors and hallways is crucial for creating an accessible living space. Many regulations and guidelines for these areas are designed with wheelchair users in mind. Therefore, it’s vital to have doorways with a minimum opening of 32 inches (about 813 mm). Similarly, thresholds should be rounded and no higher than half an inch (approximately 13 mm) above the floor [source: Bode]. High thresholds can be challenging not only for wheelchair users but also for people using canes or walkers.

Hallways should be at least 36 inches (approximately 915 mm) wide [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act]. If a hallway requires sharp turns for a wheelchair user, the width may need to be increased to accommodate the turns comfortably.

While all homes include doors and hallways, some may present additional barriers: stairs. To enhance accessibility, each step should have a tread (the horizontal part) at least 11 inches (around 28 cm) wide, with rounded edges [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act]. Handrails provide extra support; it’s recommended to install rails on both sides of the staircase, extending beyond the first and last steps [source: Bode].

Walk-in closets should feature doorways at least 32 inches (approximately 813 mm) wide, in line with other room entrances [source: Fair Housing Accessibility First]. Inside the closet, adjustable rods can maximize storage flexibility. Hydraulic pull-down rods make it easy to store clothes at a higher level while allowing easy access to them from a lower position [source: AARP].

While extra plush carpeting may appear appealing, it can pose challenges for wheelchair users trying to navigate it. The Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design recommends that carpet pile should not exceed half an inch (roughly 13 mm) in thickness. Additionally, throw rugs are discouraged because they tend to shift around [source: AARP].

In addition to selecting appropriate flooring, adjustments to the home's electrical features can greatly enhance the independence of residents. Outlets should be positioned at least 15 inches (381 mm) above the finished floor, and light switches and thermostats should be no higher than 48 inches (approximately 1,219 mm) from the ground [source: Fair Housing Accessibility First].

Accessible Kitchens and Bathrooms

A common home modification for accessibility involves replacing bathtubs with showers. While walk-in tubs are available, they typically cannot accommodate a wheelchair user. Showers, however, can be used by both those with limited mobility and wheelchair users. It’s advisable to include a seat, and a simple way to increase flexibility is by installing a hand-held showerhead for easier use.

For safety, it's recommended to set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.8 degrees Celsius) to prevent scalding injuries when using shower or sink faucets [source: AARP]. When selecting faucet types, consider options such as lever-operated, push-type, and electronically controlled designs [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act].

To enhance stability, it’s important to install grab bars both in the bathing area and next to the toilet. These grab bars should be designed to withstand 250 lbs. (roughly 113 kg) of pressure and force [source: U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act]. Reinforced walls are usually needed for this purpose.

In addition to grab bars, installing a higher toilet can make it easier for individuals with limited mobility. Ensure there’s enough space around the toilet and sink to accommodate a wheelchair. For optimal sink use, a wheelchair user requires 30 inches by 48 inches (around 762 mm by 1,219 mm) of clear floor space [source: Fair Housing Accessibility First].

Clear floor space is equally important in the kitchen. Both kitchen sinks and stoves need the same amount of clear floor area to allow a wheelchair user to comfortably access and use them. Another useful accessibility feature is multi-level countertops, where one level is designed for seated individuals and another for standing ones [source: AARP].

The kitchen appliance market also provides more accessible options. Since wheelchair users may struggle to reach the top freezer, side-by-side refrigerators are often a better choice [source: AARP]. Ranges with front-mounted controls are beneficial for seated users but may pose a safety risk in homes with small children. For those with vision impairments, a range with touch or color-contrasted controls could be useful. Additionally, raised dishwashers can reduce the need for bending when loading or unloading [source: GE].

Homeowners can enhance safety with features like roll-in showers, multi-level counters, accessible backyard paths, and step-free entries, offering various ways to create a safer living environment.