It is equally humane and necessary to design a home that would be friendly and safe to use for the disabled. Sustainable solutions do not require much effort to incorporate into the design of environments that promote independence and improved quality of life. Here are some key considerations for residential home designs for differently-abled individuals.
Major Home Designs of Accessibility
- Universal Design: This design philosophy was focused on the idea of making spaces work for everyone regardless of their age, either physical or otherwise, or the colour or origin of their skin.
- Clear Pathways: The necessary spaces that must be accessible for wheelchair-bound persons and people with mobility disabilities are, therefore, walkways with a minimum width not restricted by obstacles.
- Ramp Access: A sloping ground and rails of a gradient inclined towards the ground should be created at most convenient paths that connect different levels of the house.
- Doorway Width: The door should be of good width that is capable of accommodating ramps, wheelchairs, and other assistive equipment.
- Lower Countertops and Switches: Relieving the height of a countertop and the height of light switches makes it easier for wheelchair-bound people or people with limited mobility to access them.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Some non-slip flooring materials help avoid cases of slip and fall, especially when the floors are wet, as in the washrooms or kitchen.
- Well-Lit Spaces: The presence of adequate lighting is important to the impaired vision of persons.
- Lever-Style Handles: Round knobs on doors and handles on the faucets as opposed to those with knobs is much easier to control.
- Accessible Bathrooms: That leaves bathrooms which need to have grab bars, raised toilet seats, roll-in showers, etc.
- Accessible Kitchens: Telescopic shelves, doors, and pull-out lower units within convenient reach for a Center of Mostly Cooking.
To conclude, it is important to add that when these principles of design are followed as well as the most specific needs are met, we will be able to create homes that are functional as well as aesthetic and friendly for the disabled people. This is the right time to ensure people with disabilities can live a life to the fullest with the support of their families.
