By following these guidelines, wheelchair users can make everyday activities at home much more simpler and more convenient. The Making Your Home Wheelchair Accessible Infographic provides a blueprint for people with mobility issues and visualizes each room in the house to make their home wheelchair accessible.
Whether you may be moving to a new home, caring for an elderly person, or simply having a wheelchair-bound guest over your house, this infographic will outline exactly what to do around your home to make it wheelchair accessible.
Bedroom
- Phone/alert system near bed.
- Overhang lift/manual trapeze to get in/out of bed.
Bathroom
- Phone/alert system near toilet & shower.
- Bath tub lift (13”-30” bottom).
- Commode lift.
- Grab bars next to toilet.
- Grab bars in tub & shower with 36” clearance.
Exterior
- Vertical platform lift for higher outdoor staircases.
- All-weather, outdoor stair lift.
- Portable ramp (front entrance).
Kitchen
- Wheelchair-accessible countertop & cabinet height.
- Table: 27” floor-to-table height & 30” x 48” seat spacing.
- Door (minimum 32” width).
Garage
- Garage entry/interior door ramp for safe, quick car access.
- Wheelchair accessible floor area for easy car loading/unloading.
- Entry door (minimum 32” width).
Basement
- A stair lift for easy basement access to washer, dryer, pantries, etc.
Accessibility Tips
1. Clear Pathways
Interior/exterior pathways should have accommodating widths for:
- Mobility scooters.
- Rollators.
- Power wheelchairs.
- Standard wheelchairs.
Standard Widths
- 36” for hallways.
- 32” for doorways.
- Minimum clearance for 180 degree turns: 36” in all directions.
2. Lighting
- All rooms should be well-lit during evening, nighttime, and early morning.
- Lighting controls should be easy to access and use.
3. Security
- Phones & alert systems should be installed throughout the home for quick, easy access.
• A reliable security or alarm system should be installed to protect you & your home.