Safe, functional throughout life cycle; accommodates various ages, heights, needs, abilities and changes.
Visitability by Persons with Disabilities
___ A grade-level or ramped entry path and doorway
___ No steps into visiting areas and one bathroom
___ Min. 32-inch-wide doorways to visiting areas
___ One accessible bathroom (5 ft. turning circle at toilet and sink)
Universal Features
Throughout house:
___ No level changes on first story
___ Thresholds < 1/2 inch high
___ All doorways > 32 inches wide
___ Hallways, paths > 42 inches wide
___ Lower switches (38-48 inches from floor to operable part)
___ Higher outlets (18 inches from floor to plug holes)
___ Rocker switches or motion sensors
___ Lever door handles, U-shaped cabinet pulls
___ Single-lever faucet controls
___ Easy-to-reach A/C filter
___ Adjustable shelves, rods
___ Rounded counter and cabinet corners
___ Non-slip, no-glare, even flooring
___ Contrasting color and texture visual aids
___ Ample, variable light without glare, task lighting
___ Space planned for “just in case” elevator shaft, if two-story
Kitchen and Laundry - adaptable and convenient for various users:
___ Appliances placed for safety and universal access
___ Microwave at counter height (36 inches)
___ Front-loading clothes washer
___ Cooktop controls at side
___ 42-inch pathway clearances
___ 5-ft. clear turning circle at sink, range, refrigerator
___ Varied counter heights
___ Seated work space in kitchen (30-32 inches high)
___ No center stile on cabinets where knee space might be needed (sink, cooktop)
___ Some outlets, switches on sides of counters
___ Roll-out shelves, baskets, drawers; easy storage access
One bedroom and bathroom more fully wheelchair accessible:
___ On ground floor
___ 36-inch-wide doorways, no thresholds
___ 24-inch space on latch side of doors
___ Doors open outward
___ 5-foot turning circle clear floor spaces
___ Bedroom has door to outside
___ Low windows and mirrors (max. 40 inches above floor)
___ No deep pile carpet or slick, shiny flooring
___ Knee space under lavatory (not obstructed by cabinet or plumbing)
___ Reinforced walls at toilet, tub, shower for grab bars
___ Non-slip decorative grab bars
___ Higher toilet, accessible (not enclosed)
___ Easy-transfer shower, tub with seat, or curbless shower
___ Single-lever bath valve, offset for easy reach
___ Higher cabinet toe space (9 in.)
___ Easily adaptable to changing needs