An accessible home is one that adapts to the needs of its tenants, without architectural barriers that hinder access.
For example, in the case of people with reduced mobility, it is essential that they have no obstacles so that they can easily access their homes.
In the case of, for example, apartment buildings, these needs must also be taken into account. One option is to maintain a high-quality elevator in perfect working order to facilitate access to the building for anyone with mobility issues.
What are homes adapted for people with disabilities like?
It is important to take into account a series of criteria when designing your home or, if you already have one, when including or removing elements that can speed up accessibility to the house:
- Uneven surfaces: itis essential that there are no sections of different levels and, if there are, that they are painted or marked with contrasting colors, so that they are easier to see and thus avoid falls or trips.
- Non-slip floors: It isrecommended that all floors in homes be non-slip to prevent falls.
- Waterproofing: In order to avoid deterioration, dampness or other similar problems, it is best that the floors in wet areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, are waterproof.
- Automatic taps with presence detector: thesetypes of taps not only save water, but also make them easier to open for people with mobility difficulties.
- Faucets with extendable handles: these can be a solution when you have certain needs. These faucets can be extended, making them easier to reach from further away.
It is also important to consider the characteristics and measurements that certain elements of the home, such as doors or their handles, must have to facilitate access.
- Access doors
These are the main elements, the first things we see when entering a home and its interior spaces. The entrance doors should be 80 cm wide so that a wheelchair can pass through without difficulty.
In addition, they need to have a turning space of 120 centimeters, so that there is easy circulation and maneuvering.
- Shooters
Door handles and hooks must be between 80 and 120 centimeters long and have a shape other than round.
- Lobby and corridors
The lobbies must have a space to make a free turn of at least 1.2 meters.
Straight corridors must have a minimum width of one meter to allow for easy maneuverability with a wheelchair. Straight corridors must be at least 90 cm wide. A 120 cm diameter unobstructed turning circle must be possible in front of the entrance door.
- Bathroom furniture and space
The bathroom should be a space large enough to allow for easy handling.
Furthermore, as we have mentioned, since it is a humid space, the floor must be non-slip to prevent slipping.
Grab bars and handrails are essential on either side of the toilet. For personal hygiene, a shower is preferable to a bathtub.
The sink should not have a pedestal and should be placed 80 cm from the floor. In addition, there must be a clearance of 65 cm underneath it to allow access.
- Kitchen furniture and space
In the kitchen, although this could be applied to all rooms in general, furniture, electrical outlets, and shut-off valves should be at a low to medium height to facilitate access. The reach of a person in a wheelchair is between 0.4 and 1.40 meters in height.
Although also applicable to the rest of the house, in the kitchen it is important that there is enough room to maneuver well with a wheelchair, and that there are no obstacles.
To prevent accidents, countertops, shelves, and cabinets should have rounded edges.
