What Does a House Need to Become Wheelchair Accessible?

Entrances

• For proper access, each doorway should be approximately 32 inches wide; this goes for entrances to the home itself as well as doors to bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. If your home has steps, install a wheelchair ramp and hand rail. Doors should push inward instead of pulling outward; double-swinging door hinges also are beneficial.

Bedrooms

• In the bedroom, the closet is a major issue for someone in a wheelchair. Widen the doorway as in the rest of the home, and lower the shelves to make them reachable from a wheelchair. Lower teh height of the light switches for easier access.

Bathroom

• In a bathroom, the biggest requirement is the addition of grab bars so the wheelchair user can pull himself in and out of the shower or tub and on and off the toilet. The toilet seat may need to be raised as well.

  A shower seat enables the wheelchair user to remain seated while bathing; this can be installed inside a large shower area. Another option is to install a roll-in shower. The user can wheel himself in and shower in the unit without having to get up.

  Adjust the sink and mirrors to the wheelchair user's heigh in the chair.

Kitchen

• The kitchen should feature low cabinets and counter tops as well as accessible sinks. You can add pull-out counter space for workstations, and a pedal attachment to turn sink faucets on and off.