First of all, I have to agree with wheelchair, that it is almost impossible to get a house which is accessible for every possible disability. There were, however, bills before the Senate and the House last year, and unfortunately I don't know the outcome of these bills, requiring any home which is built using a federally insured loan to have at least one accessible entrance. This is probably one of the biggest issues architects should incorporate in every house. With the aging population and the potential of an extended family member becoming disabled it is much more cost effective to require this small and extraordinarily inexpensive feature to be incorporated in the building process, instead of trying to retrofit later.
1. My house is pretty accessible (was built that way), but I would like to have the entire house wired for X10 so I could operate everything with my ECU. It would be additionally nice to install a drinking device built into my kitchen which can be used hands-free. I do have such a device, but I keep putting the installation of this on the back burner.
2. If I had been the initial builder (he was a paraplegic) I would have made the bedroom and roll-in shower much larger. If I had unlimited funds, I would lower all the thresholds on all of my friend's house, so I don't have to feel that I am imposing on them if I am invited over to a party. Additionally, I would have really liked to have gotten a beautiful live-in maid. LOL.
3. 12-24 hours
4. Not applicable
5. Keeping with wheelchair's point, quadriplegics that do not have arm mobility don't require cut-outs under sinks, lower shelves in closets, lower kitchen counters, etc..
Billy from Tampa
C2-3
9 years post
Jessica Ann Gordon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
hi all ---
my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been
assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for
disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live
almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his
presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help ---
i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write
as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and
engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for.
1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or
in public and how do they affect you?
2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work
with you and your disability? what would you ask for in t! hat home if money
were not an issue?
3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day?
4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your
disability/accident?
5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to
know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people
who can make or break accessibility for us.
i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project
develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will
lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,
city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this
disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input.
jessica
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