Ramps
Adding ramps to provide wheelchair access can be as simple as securing a piece of plywood over steps to pouring a cement ramp. Before you attempt the simpler and cheaper version, find out what city codes, if any, apply to disability ramps outside your home or building. If your front steps are steep, you may need to build a ramp that switches back and forth from right to left to make the slope more gradual.
Doorways
In older homes, doorways are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, or the door jamb makes it impossible for a wheelchair to enter without outside assistance. In an existing home, you may need to widen doorways. Reconstruction of the doorway and hanging a door that is no longer going to fit a standard sized doorway will be expensive. If you're building a home from scratch, you can design the door to fit wheelchairs.
Stairs and Elevators
In multi-level homes, stairs will always be an issue for wheelchairs, but they can be fitted with stair lifts. These lifts take a chair up a flight of stairs by using an electronic track . In most cases the lift is fitted with a chair so there would need to be one waiting at the top and bottom of the stairs for the person to use. A stair lift is reasonably economic, as most staircases can be fitted with these types of stair lifts. For a larger price and more major remodeling, some homes can have elevators installed. An elevator will require a major remodel of the layout of your home.
Kitchen
For disabled people to reach things in base cabinets without problem, it's recommended there be spaces of 40 inches in between each, except in U-shaped kitchens, which should have 60 inches in between each. It's better if the cabinet faces can be removed. To adapt shelf cabinets, you can take a 30-inch section put on brackets so they can be adjusted to reach people of different heights. The same can be done with a counter. The bottom shelf of the pantry should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor.
You can also install U-shaped handles, lazy-susans, pull-out trays for storage, holders, two feet of heat-resistant countertop, and buy small electrical appliances.
Bathroom
These usually have too narrow doors and no grab bars. Think about installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the bathtub so someone can up and down more easily. If the sink stands alone, install an L-bracket so it doesn't fall when leaned on for support. Put down a bath mat to avoid slipping and think about installing a hand-held shower head. You may also need to buy an elevated toilet seat, since usual toilet seats are too low to the ground to sit on. Learn
how to install a handheld shower head using our Shower Installation Guide.
