Board Level2

Research 06

5 things you should take into account when designing
an accessible bathroom are:

Research by, : http://www.eastersealstech.com/2014/06/11/top-5-things-consider-designing-accessible-bathroom-wheelchair-users/

1.Bathing: shower and tub accessibility

Using a rolling shower seat or fixed shower seat in the shower can accommodate some users. Shower seat should be at the height of 17” to 19”. A small stool or plastic chair can allow the bather to sit while taking a shower and can be removed for users who don’t use the seat to shower.
A curbless shower is ideal for people using a wheelchair, walker or for someone who is at risk for falls and can be used by everyone regardless of ability. The opening to the shower is level with the floor and is sloped down to the drain. The shower should be 36” wide for someone using a transfer seat and 60” wide for someone in a wheelchair to be able to turn around in or for assists.
Walk-in tubs allow easier access. It allows a user to walk into the tub without having to climb over the side of the tub. Installing tub controls near the front edge will avoid a long reach.
Installing grab bars in all bathing areas. For a tub- two bars should be installed on the sidewall at standing and sitting range. For a shower-all three walls in roll-in shower should have grab bars and two walls should have grab bars in a transfer shower. Coordinate the controls to be near grab bars when possible.
A nonslip floor is one of the most important things to address in the shower to prevent falls. A textured tile or a slatted wood tray over a concrete floor can provide a nonslip floor.
Installing anti-scald mixing valves to maintain a safe water temperature and volume when there are water pressure changes will prevent burns. Limit the temperature in the tub and shower to 120 degrees.
Consider the placement of items that a user will want to reach such as hair care, bathing products, soap, washcloth, et cetera. Adequate storage and accessible placement for all products so they do not fall into the floor and are easily reachable for all users should be addressed.
Overhead lights in shower and using glass walls instead of a shower curtain to allow additional light to come in will increase safety.
Installing shower controls where operator can use them without getting wet. Also, installing a handheld showerhead that can accommodate a seated bather. Install one with at least a 60” hose.
Towel shelf or hook should be installed within easy reach for drying off before exiting the shower to prevent wet floors.

2.Bathroom sink and vanity accessibility

A sink should be mounted on the wall with no cabinet underneath for both standing and seated users or one with enough clearance to provide open knee space.
A sink approached from the front of the sink needs to be 34” maximum rim height with a 27” clearance for knees or having a sink that can be approached from one side.
Installing single-handle faucets, which can be easily turned on and adjusted without having to grab or twist or installing hands-free faucets with a sensor that detects hands under the faucet will make the sink accessible.
Mounting a lower placed mirror, extra long mirror, or tilt mirror that everyone can use.
Using sturdy furniture/vanity that can be used to grab on to so one can use to maneuver around the bathroom when a grab bar is not within reach.
Consider placement of products that might need to be reached such as dental care, prescriptions, eye care/contact lenses, first-aid supplies.
Other items to consider storage and access for are: hair dryers, curlers, makeup, bathroom linens, and bath cleaning supplies.
Installing low drawers that pull out fully increase accessible storage options.
Although more expensive, a vanity with electrically adjustable height counters offer accessibility to all users.

3.Bathroom toilet accessibility

ADA guideline recommendations are that a toilet be 17”-19” high. This is the most comfortable height for all users. A higher toilet seat makes it easer to lower, stand, or transfer from a wheelchair/walker to the toilet.
Thicker toilet seats can be used to add height to toilet when replacing the toilet is not an option.
A wall-hung model toilet can be mounted at a height that is customized for the user.
Install toilet paper dispenser at a comfortable height that is forward of the bowl.
Installing a bidet may allow for more privacy and good hygiene for folks who find using toilet paper difficult to use for cleaning. It prevents twisting and reaching to get toilet paper or wipe.
Consider placement of things a user may need to reach when using the toilet and have them accessible. Items such as extra toilet paper, sanitary products, wipes, and medical equipment.
Installing at least one grab bar to one side of the toilet at the distance of 18” to nearest wall or fixture is recommended; however, the ideal toilet placement is positioned between two support bars that are 36” apart.

4. Bathroom lighting

Good lighting in the bathroom is important in safety. It should be planned to avoid any shadows and create an even lighting. Using natural light as much as possible is ideal.
Lower light switches so someone in a wheelchair can access them.
There should be extra light evenly distributed over the entire bathroom to avoid a glare. Dimmers can provide the ability to provide brightness and softness based on users needs.
Motion detector lights can be used for individuals who have trouble accessing light switches.
Install switches with a large toggle or push button that doesn’t require one to use a pinching motion to turn off or on.

5. General bathroom access and safety

An accessible bathroom needs to be 30” x 48” for mobility devices in front of each plumbing fixture and room to turn around in a wheelchair.
Doorway will need to be widened for wheelchair access. A door into bathroom should be a minimum of 34” wide for wheelchair users. Use lever style door handles that are easier to use than doorknobs.
A door that swings outward instead of inward will allow more space inside the bathroom.
Using a pocket door in small spaces is another good option for constructing optimal space.
Make sure there are no loose bath mats on the floor. Bath mats are an obstacle for people in a wheelchair and a tripping hazard.
If space allows when designing a bathroom, it should be considered if there is enough space for 2 people if an attendant is needed to assist a user in personal care.
Providing easily accessible storage compartments with pull out shelves to get clutter out of the way and allow access. Consider individual needs of the user and find best placement of these items within their reach.
Consider where the best access is for all accessories such as robe hooks, towel bars, paper dispensers, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, shower shelves.
Lower the hot water maximum heat temperature to prevent any burns in the shower or sink.
Grounded or lowered electrical outlets should be installed for use of small appliances such as hair dryers, toothbrushes, and electric razors.
There are also many lifts to look into that provide transfers in the bathroom such as hydraulic chair lifts, sling-type lifts, rolling transfer benches, drop in tubs that have a platform that serve as a transfer bench, et cetera. Choose fixtures and fittings that are comfortable and convenient such as things that are easy to control with single hand motion and closed fist or motion control censored fixtures.

Research 05

Top 5 things to consider when designing an accessible kitchen for wheelchair users.

Research by, : http://www.eastersealstech.com/2014/06/04/accessiblekitchendesign/

1. Work Surface (Kitchen Counters)
Typical countertops are positioned at a height of 36”. To make countertops accessible the work surface should be installed at a 34” height.
Accessible counter workspace is 30” wide and countertops should be 28”-34” above the floor.
Adjustable counters should have a range of 28” to 36” in height.
Make sure countertop is not obstructed by base cabinets to allow for knee and toe clearance.
If you are able to set the countertop height, this should be determined early in the design. The countertop will dictate location of storage cabinets and appliances.
Ideally you would measure individual comfort ranges for working in the kitchen for whom the kitchen is being accommodated.
Adjustable tables can be used before install or remodel to determine the ideal height to find dimensions that work for each member of the family. Often you need to use the space to see how it will best meet your needs prior to committing to a permanent design.
Pull-out shelves coming out of the countertop is another good way to create easily accessible working space to prepare food.


2. Kitchen Sinks
Sinks that have open space beneath the sink that provides wheelchair or walker accessibility will allow users to access the sink. Knee clearance for a sink needs to be at least 27” high, 8” deep at the knees or 11” deep for children.
The drain should be placed in the rear of the sink so the piping underneath will not prevent a person in a wheelchair from rolling underneath. Pipes should be insulated or enclosed to protect legs from hot pipes.
Set water heater to a maximum heat low enough that will prevent burning.
Using a single lever faucet is a lower cost option to making the faucet accessible. There are also touch control faucets that allow the user to turn on and off the faucet with one touch. Also, installing the faucet to the side of the sink may make it more accessible for some people.
Installing sliding drawers on both sides of the sink can provide easy storage of cleaning products or long rather than wide items.
3. Kitchen wall cabinets

For lower cost option, cabinets can be lowered to meet individual users needs.
Although more costly, electric powered adjustable cabinets, which lower and raise the cabinet height with a touch of a button allows the cabinets to become accessible to all users.
Place often used items within reach such as spice rack and cutting boards.
Use cabinet accessories that make the cabinets more accessible such as pull down shelves, adjustable shelves, drawer dividers, lazy susan cabinet, et cetera.
Use looped cabinet pulls instead of knobs that are operable with a closed fist. With these you do not have to twist, grasp or use pinching motions.
Put most used items in low drawers such as the dishes, pots/pans, glassware, et cetera.
Other useful cabinet hardware may be: full extension drawers, touch-release drawers and doors, swing-up hardware that allow cabinet doors to hinge at top and stay open, et cetera.
4. Doorways & Hallways
Installing a 36” wide door makes it accessible for a wheelchair or walker user. However, 42” width is more comfortable.
Using swing clear hinges on the door creates a clear opening
Using a lever-style door handle makes it easier for them to be opened.
Clearance for a pass through kitchen should be 40” wide.
Clearance for a U-shaped kitchen needs to have a width of 60″.
5. Appliances

Install appliances lower. They should be approximately 31” from floor
Electric cooktop with staggered burners with controls on the front will eliminate having to reach across hot burners.
Raising the dishwasher 6” to 8” off the floor and making the dishwasher accessible from either side will increase access.
Appliance controls with a maximum operating force of 5 lbs are standard accessibility requirements.
Side-hinged oven door which opens the door to the side will allow a seated cook to get closer to opening.
Using a bottom-drawer freezer style refrigerator makes the freezer accessible.
If you cannot visit a showroom to test out any of the appliances, find a supplier that will allow you to return the item if it is not a good fit.
Consider which way you want the appliance doors to swing open and make sure you can access the appliance without contorting your body.
A cooktop separate from wall oven is best so they both can be installed at a comfortable height.
Tactile controls such as raised buttons or dials with directional indicators that click into position at each setting can be used to increase safety.
Appliances with touch pad operation are great for people who have limited finger strength and control.

Other things to consider when designing an accessible kitchen may be:
Placing electrical outlets lower, but no lower that 15”off the floor.
Glare free lighting and good task lighting to increase visibility and create a safe cooking environment.
Switches & thermostats installed no higher than 48” off the floor will make them accessible to wheelchair users.
Creating several work areas in the kitchen can make it easier to access them from a single position. Suggestions for activity centers may be: baking area, salad counter, children’s snack area or a pass-through between garage and pantry for transferring groceries.
Placing the lighting controls so you never have to navigate in the dark. If you can access the kitchen from multiple points, a multi-pole light switch allow you to turn on and off the kitchen lights when you enter or leave from either entrance/exit.
Using a base cabinet on wheels can be used for transporting hot dishes from countertop to table or creating a moveable workspace area based on the needs of the activity.

Research 04

Interior designing reminder for wheelchair user home design

Reference by, http://www.builddirect.com/blog/interior-design-style-and-accessibility/

Accessible Hallway

Hallways need to be well lit and wide (ideally 48" or more, but 36" is a workable) to allow room for walkers and wheelchairs to turn around. They should also be free of loose rugs and any other tripping hazards. Laminate wood flooring can create a stylish and bright surface but would need an anti-slip coating.




Stylish Bathrooms with non - slip surfaces
In no other room is anti-slip flooring so important. Textured surfaces such as tiling and vinyl are probably the safest options. Of these tiling offers the greatest range of colors and sizes making it easier to provide a safe non slip surface. Unfortunately you may also need to install grab bars so that if someone does slip, then they can break their fall and make it easier for wheel chair users to move around the bathroom.



While the white plastic option can give you an unfortunate clinical look, you can also get more stylish steel and chrome options. Or, natural stone or creamy, textured porcelain tile are also options.



Kitchens for accessible living
The main issue with kitchens is height. For smaller people or wheelchair users the standard height of work surfaces is dangerously high, putting hot objects such as kettles, pots and pans at head height or above the user means there is a much higher risk of spills. This means that low work surfaces with space for a chair to fit underneath are a huge help. Most standard surfaces can be lowered to make them more accessible, though it can involve a lot of work.




Similarly drawers and cabinets should come with pull out options to allow users to simply pull them out and reach down, rather than needing to lean over to get more access. Fortunately these changes can be made to most standard kitchens, meaning that there is no need to sacrifice style for accessibility.

Research 03

Reference by, : http://www.nihe.gov.uk/wheelchairreport.pdf