man in wheelchair going into house

Adapting a Home for Wheelchair Accessibility

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Media Type

Info Sheet

Reviewed Date

Aug 13, 2022

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There are several ways to create a more accessible space for a person in a wheelchair. Some options include: altering an existing floor plan, building an addition, converting existing rooms, renting a different apartment or home, or buying a new home. The following guidelines will be helpful to anyone planning for wheelchair accessible housing.


Always measure the width and length of your wheelchair since there are many different sizes. The dimensions listed below refer to standard-size wheelchairs. Owners of power and reclining models may need to modify the measurements based on the length and width of the chair. It is important to identify specific needs.

NOTE:  " is the symbol for inches and ' is the symbol for feet.


Entrance and Exit


Parking: If you use a garage, make sure the entrance is high enough for a raised-roof van and wide enough to allow the use of a wheelchair lift or to make an easy wheelchair transfer. Approximately eight feet is needed for a wheelchair lift and five feet of space is needed for a transfer from the wheelchair.

parking spaces for cars and vans
Note. From: ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010. (2010, September 15). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from 
https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm


Specifications for a ramp or pathway to entrance

• 36 to 48” wide pathways

• 32 to 36” high hand rails that extend 1' beyond ramp

• Slip resistant surface (non–slip strips, indoor/outdoor carpeting, sand paint)

• Covering for inclement weather

• Ramp materials: wood, concrete, or expanded aluminum

• 12” of ramp length for every 1” of vertical rise

• Free swinging (no spring or hydraulic mechanism)

• ½” or less threshold edge height

• Option: electric entrance door opener

• If a ramp is longer than 30 feet, it needs to change direction. With a change of direction, a level platform or landing should be used. The minimum landing size required is 5' x 5'.

• If there is no room for a ramp and/or the ramp is too steep or unsafe, a vertical lift or elevator may be used.

• Ask your occupational therapist or physical therapist for information on lifts, ramps and elevators.


Interior/General Living Space


Doorways
The exact width needed typically depends on the width of the wheelchair. Typically, a 32” wide doorway is the standard recommendation. Some wheelchairs can fit through a narrower doorway (example: 28" wide). 

Options to increase the width of doorways:

• Offset, Z–shaped door hinges
• Remove the frame on the door
• Remove the door itself
• Reverse the swing of the door

 

wheelchair width
Illustration of optimal doorway width
Note. From: ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010. (2010, September 15). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/201n.d.AStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm

 


Door Handle
• 36” from floor
• Levers preferred over knobs


Thresholds
• Eliminate if possible
• Use threshold ramp, bevel, or recess


Hallways
• 36 to 48” wide
• Consider using corner protectors/bumper guards


Floors
• Hardwood or tile preferred
• No slip mats
• If there is a carpet, choose low pile


Outlets/Switches
• 40” from floor is optimal
• Levers or rocker switches (operate with closed fist)

Ramps - see ADA chapter 4 standards

• Slopes follow the 1:12 ratio in rise (example: 12" of ramp length for every 1" of vertical rise)
• 36" wide minimum


Telephones
• Accessible in bedroom and bathroom
• Use cordless or cell phone for increased portability


Furniture
• Maintain adequate wheelchair passageway
• Table or work area should have at least 29” leg clearance underneath
• Remove breakable objects on furniture


Bathroom and Toilet
• 16” or less from floor if commode or shower chair is used over the toilet
• 17 to 18” high if pivoting to transfer to toilet
• 2 ½' to 3' transfer space on one side, depending on height


Sink
• 34” or less from floor
• Open underneath with insulated pipes is optimal
• Lever controls – single faucet preferred
• Adjoining counter space
• Lowered, tilted mirror


Bathtub
• 2½ feet of transfer space on side for transfer/bench
• Reinforced walls for grab bars (able to withstand 300 pounds of pressure in any direction)
• Hand held shower
• Grab bars should be 2 to 2½ feet long and 32 to 36” high


Roll–in shower
• 5' x 5' optimal space
• ½ ” or less threshold
• Drain in far corner, 1” lower than bathroom floor
• Grab bars on showerhead wall and adjacent wall 30 to 32” from the floor
• Soap dish 30 to 36” from floor
• Hand held shower adapter able to convert to standard showerhead with diverter button
• Antiscald device so temperature does not exceed 120º; protects sensory impaired skin from burns


Kitchen Turning Radius
• 5' x 5' optimal

turning radius

 

Illustration of optimal turning radius
Note. From: ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010. (2010, September 15). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from 
https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm 

 


Countertops
• Optimal height from floor is 30 to 33”
• Optimal knee clearance is 27 to 29”


Refrigerator
• Side by side model preferred


Sink
• 34” or less from floor
• Insulated pipes beneath underside of sink
• Thermostatic control on faucet sink hose


Storage
• Pull out shelves
• Lazy Susan cupboard
• Open shelving
• Track shelving
• Wall mounted peg board to hang pans


Stove
• Front controls preferred
• Mirror over stove to see contents in deeper pots may help


Microwave
• Place on countertop in area which is easy to reach


Washer and Dryer
• Front loading models offer easier access


Bedroom and Bed
• Firm mattress – 22” from floor optimal for transfer from wheel chair
• 3' on either side of bed for wheel chair transfer
• May need space for hospital bed


Closet
• Sliding doors
• Rods 4' or less from floor


Dresser
• Pull handles or straps
• 34” or less from floor

Set Priorities before Starting a Modification Project
Most people work on the major architectural barriers first. Priority is usually: entrance, bathroom, bedroom, and then other rooms of the house. The permanence and quality of modifications depends on the needs of the person using the wheelchair and family, estimated time spent in the home, available finances, and whether the residence is being rented or owned. The following guidelines can help the modification process go more smoothly.

  • To avoid over–designing, recognize your abilities and disabilities.
  • Ask other people with disabilities for advice. They can refer reputable contractors and give suggestions based on personal experience.
  • Know your individual needs. Analyze and operate all equipment before buying to make sure it works for you.
  • Use a specialty or standard contractor.
  • Try to solve problems with a minimal investment in time and money.
  • Always review plans.

wheelchair hand
 

References

ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010. (2010, September 15). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/201n.d.AStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm

Assistive Technology Partners. Low Cost Solutions for making Your Home Accessible. (n.d.) Retrieved May 21, 2020 from https://www.globaldisabilityrightsnow.org/sites/default/files/related-files/335/Access%20-%20Low%20Cost%20Solutions%20for%20Making%20Your%20Home%20Accessible.pdf

Universal Design History. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://projects.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/about_ud/udhistory.htm#b

Yanchulis, D. (n.d.). Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 4: Ramps and Curb Ramps. Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-ramps-and-curb-ramps

 

 


This content is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Reliance on this site's content is solely at your own risk. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab disclaims any liability for injury or damages resulting from the use of any site content. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter

 

 

Publication Information

Title

Adapting a Home for Wheelchair Accessibility

Author

Kimberly Muir, OTR/L

This content is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Reliance on this site's content is solely at your own risk. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab disclaims any liability for injury

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