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Accessibility. A cornerstone for anyone with a disability. If you or your loved one has a disability, your living space has special requirements. But with the modern designs available today, LifeSpaces can transform your space into one that is functional and esthetically pleasing. LifeSpaces -ADA experts can assist in
making a home accessible. So if you're need is to modify your current home, LifeSpaces is the resource for you.
Consider This:
Accessible design generally refers to houses or
other dwellings that meet specific requirements for accessibility.
These requirements are found in state, local, model building codes, and
the regulations of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards A117.1-1998, and
the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. These
regulations, guidelines, and laws dictate standard dimensions and
features such as door widths, clear space for wheelchair mobility,
countertop heights for sinks and kitchens, audible and visual signals,
grab bars, switch and outlet height, and more.
Adaptable design allows some features of a
home to be changed to address the needs of an
individual with a disability or a person encountering mobility
limitations as he/she ages. Essential design elements such as wider
doorways and halls and barrier-free entrances are included as integral
features, while provisions are made for features to be "adapted"
(modified or added) as needed. To meet the definition of "adaptable,"
the change must be able to be made quickly without the use of skilled
labor and without changing the inherent structure of the materials. For
example, bathroom walls may be designed with additional supports for
the future installation of grab bars. Cabinets under sinks can be
designed to be removable whereby the storage space under the sinks are
replaced for knee space for a wheelchair user.
 Visitable refers to homes that are not only
accessible to guests with disabilities visiting the homes of
nondisabled hosts, but to the future needs of the nondisabled residents
as well. "Visitability" is an advocacy movement proposing that when
topographically feasible, basic access to all homes is a civil
right. Access features essential to visitable homes are a zero-step
entrance, accessible hallways, and bathrooms with doors wide enough for
a wheelchair user to enter. Such features make a home visitable to
guests with disabilities and can help a resident adapt in his/her home
should the resident’s needs change due to a disability or reduced
mobility.
Seven Principles of Universal Design
- Equitable Use: Useful and marketable to people with diverse
abilities.
- Flexibility in Use: Accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences
and abilities.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: Easy to understand, regardless of the
user's
experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration
level.
- Perceptible Information: Communicates necessary information to the
user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
- Tolerance for Error: Minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences
of
accidental or unintended actions.
- Low Physical Effort: Can be used efficiently and comfortably and
with a
minimum of fatigue.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is
provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of
user's body size, posture, or mobility.
Call LifeSpaces to transform your space into a functional accessible place. LifeSpaces can help modify your space to make a life changing event transitional.
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