Your home is your sanctuary, the place you return to when life gets too much. And if you or your close family have a disability, it’s also the place where you will most likely spend the majority of your time. That’s why it’s important to make sure that any prospective homes you might be considering are not only physically accessible for those with disabilities but also legally compliant with the American Disability Act (ADA).
The Accessible Canada Act (ADA) is a piece of legislation that was passed in June of 2018 with the intention of making Canada a more accessible country for people with disabilities. The ADA has three primary objectives: to ensure that all Canadians have equal opportunity to participate in society, to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, and to provide better access to services and communication for everyone.
Some of the key provisions of the ADA are:
-Prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life
-Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to public buildings, transportation, and information
-Making sure that people with disabilities can live in their own homes with as much independence as possible
There are many ways to find an ADA-compliant home in Canada, and each province has its own resources available. You can also find helpful information on the website of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
If you’re already living in a home that doesn’t comply with the ADA, there are still many things you can do to make it more accessible. Some renovations and modifications may be covered by your provincial healthcare plan, so be sure to ask your healthcare provider about what’s available. There are also many private companies that offer services related to disability modification. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a website that provides information on accessible homes on how to modify your current home to make it more accessible.
Some common design features in an ADA-compliant home are:
– Wide hallways and doorways
A wheelchair-accessible entryway is one of the most important features of an ADA-compliant home. It’s important to make sure that the entrance to your home is easy to navigate, with plenty of space for a wheelchair to turn around. That means a minimum of 42 inches wide, with no more than a one-half-inch threshold. You should also consider having a ramp or a lift installed, if necessary. All floors should be non-slip flooring and non-glare lighting is installed throughout the house.
– Grab bar
A grab bar is an important safety feature in any ADA-compliant home. It provides a place for someone to hold onto when transferring in or out of a wheelchair, or when otherwise needed for support. You can install a grab bar almost anywhere in your home, but it’s usually best to place them near the toilet, shower, or bathtub. The grab bar installation height is depend on the user, it’s usually installed between 35″-45″ Make sure to choose a grab bar that is made from sturdy materials and has a non-slip grip. There are many different types and styles of grab bars available, so you can find one that will fit perfectly with the look and feel of your home.
– Use more lever than knobs
When it comes to designing an ADA-compliant home, one of the most important things to consider is the use of levers instead of knobs. Knobs can be difficult for people with limited dexterity to use, whereas levers are much easier to operate. In fact, many people with disabilities find that they can operate levers with more precision and strength than they can knobs.
-Adjustable storage and colour contrast
One of the most important aspects of an ADA-compliant home is adjustable storage. This means that shelves, cabinets, and other storage units can be easily customized to fit the needs of the person using them. This is a great feature for people with limited mobility, as they can adjust the storage to be at a height that is comfortable for them. It’s also important to have colour contrast in an ADA-compliant home. This means that surfaces and textures that are likely to be used by someone with a disability should be different colours from each other. This makes it easier for people with vision impairments to navigate their way around the home.
-Laundry room
There are many different ways to make a laundry room accessible, but some key features include:
– A sink that is easy to reach
– Plenty of counter space
– Plenty of storage space
– Front loading washing machine and dryer that are easy to use
– A place to fold clothes
-Security in ada compliant home
it’s important to make sure that your home is as safe and secure as possible. There are many different things you can do to make your home more secure, such as installing a security system, adding extra locks to doors and windows, or putting up fencing around your property. A smart lock and sensor is recommended for any home.
It’s also important to make sure that all of the exits in your home are easily accessible in case of an emergency. That means having a clear path to the front and back doors, as well as a way to get out of the house in case of a fire. It’s also a good idea to have a designated meeting place outside of your
Medical alert systems are also an important safety feature for any ADA-compliant home. If you or a loved one has a disability, it’s important to have a medical alert system in place in case of an emergency. Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for both the person with the disability and their loved ones.
There are many different types of medical alert systems available, so you can find one that is perfect for your needs. Some of the most common features of a medical alert system include:
– A wearable pendant or bracelet that can be worn at all times
– A panic button that can be pressed in case of an emergency
– A call center that can be contacted 24/7
– GPS tracking so that emergency responders can find you quickly
Making your home ADA-compliant can seem like a daunting task, but with the right resources it can be easy and affordable. There are many different companies and organizations that offer design services and products for ADA-compliant homes. So don’t let the thought of creating an ADA-compliant home keep you from achieving your dream home. There are many different types of accessible homes out there, so you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you. Hestia Hearth Design have experience designing ADA-compliant homes, use the contact us page to reach out for a quote on converting your home.
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