Adaptations

A feeling of independence is important to everyone. Adapting an environment can help to make daily tasks easier and safer for people with physical disabilities.

Here are some adaptations that can be made within the built environment to help people with physical disabilities:

• Ensure floors and stairways are well lit, and that floor surfaces are firm, level and slip resistant.
• Choose high density, low pile carpeting for easier movement by wheelchair users.
• Remove scatter rugs and if necessary, skid-proof rug pads should be put under area rugs, especially at the corners and edges.
• Give adequate space in rooms and spaces for wheelchair users to maneuver in.
• Have a clear floor space for seating spaces with sufficient clear knee space for wheelchair users.
• Ensure that chairs, beds and toilets are high enough for easy access and place stable objects near them to serve as support.
• Avoid using chairs with rollers as they may move and cause injuries.
• Add pull-out or drop leaf shelves to serve as additional working spaces.
• Replace swing doors that take up maneuvering space with sliding doors.
• Position appliances and controls such as switches and operating mechanisms such as soap dispensers within reach of wheelchair users.
• Install stairs with handrails on both sides, and extend handrails at the head of stairs to lessen the chance of an unsteady person falling.
• Ensure that ramps are level and are at least 1,200mm wide, have a gradient that is less than 1:12, and have non-slip surfaces.
• Install grab bars in toilets and ensure adequate space for wheelchair users.  Doors should swing out and sinks should have adequate knee clearance for wheelchair users.