Make Your Home More Accessible Using These Tips

Everyone benefits from accessibility features, whether you have a disability or not. But for those with disabilities, accessibility features can make their life easier and more comfortable by helping them do things that would normally be difficult or impossible. If you’re renovating your home, here are some ways to improve its accessibility features.

Make sure the doorways in your home are wide enough

One of the simplest and most important ways to improve your home’s accessibility is to make sure the doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers to pass through. This will allow people with mobility impairments to move around your home more easily.

Install a ramp at the entrance of your home

Installing a ramp at the entrance of your home is a great way to make it more accessible for people with disabilities. It can also be helpful for people who are elderly or have trouble walking. A ramp will allow them to easily and safely enter and exit your home.

Install grab bars in the bathroom

Grab bars are another great way to make your home more accessible. They can provide support when bathing or showering, and can help prevent falls. In addition, you can install grab bars in areas of your house where people might regularly need support, like the stairs or near your bed.

Upgrade your door handles

If your home has standard door handles, consider upgrading them to lever-style handles. These types of handles are easier to use for people with disabilities, as they don’t require any twisting or gripping.

Add motion sensors to your exterior lights

If you have an exterior light at your home, it’s a good idea to install motion sensors on it. This way, people who are returning home at night can more easily find their way through the darkness.

Reduce the clutter in your hallways and entryway

A cluttered hallway or entryway can make it difficult for people with disabilities to move throughout your home. Make sure to keep them clear of boxes or pieces of furniture, so they are free and clear.

Look into handicap parking spaces

One final way to improve accessibility in your yard is by installing a designated handicap parking space near your front entrance. These spots are usually large enough to accommodate vans and minivans.

Use contrasting colors for flooring and walls to make it easier to see obstacles

Adding contrasting colors for flooring and walls can make it easier to see obstacles in your home. This is especially important for people who have low vision. A good way to do this is to use light and dark colors in different areas of your home —for example, light-colored walls with dark-colored flooring, or vice versa.

Place furniture and other objects so that they are within easy reach

One of the simplest ways to make your home more accessible is to place furniture and other objects so that they are within easy reach. This will make it easier for people with mobility impairments to access them. You can also try using adjustable furniture so that it can be customized to fit the needs of each individual.

Integrate technology and install accessibility tools

Technology can play a big role in making your home more accessible. There are a number of different tools and devices that can be used to help people with disabilities live more comfortably and independently. Here are a few examples:

Screen readers

Screen readers are software programs that read aloud the text on a computer screen. They are helpful for people who have difficulty seeing or reading.

Voice recognition software

Voice recognition software is a tool that allows people to control their computer by speaking into a microphone. This is helpful for people with mobility impairments who may have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse.

Braille keyboards

Braille keyboards are keyboards that have raised bumps instead of letters. They are helpful for people who are visually impaired, as they provide a tactile way to type.

Medical alert system

A medical alert system is a device that allows people to get help in case of an emergency. It typically consists of a wristband or necklace that sends a signal to a monitoring center when it is activated. This can be helpful for people who have difficulty walking or communicating in an emergency situation.

Final thoughts:

All in all, accessibility is an important issue that affects everyone, not just people with disabilities. By making your home more accessible, you can improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in it. Accessibility features can help make things easier and more comfortable for everyone, and they are worth considering when renovating your home.