The Independence Foundation Tour of Accessible Homes
plastic coat that you can buy at a hardware store. Serves as a gripper on a wooden dowel.
you can purchase a wooden dowel at the local hardware store. Very inexpensive -
with the plastic coat on the end - you can use this stick to pick up some items from the floor.
This is a very inexpensive way to make light switches accessible to wheelchair users.
purchase a wooden dowel from the local hardware store. Drill a tiny hole in the end of the dowel. Get a key chain ring - very lightweight one from local hardware store. We get ours from the auto service shop - they have thousands and will often spare a few for no cost. Turn off power to light switch. Drill tiny hole through light switch lever. attach dowel to light switch with key ring. Dowel can be stained or painted to match decor.
this is a coat hanger, shaped and plastic coated to make faucet handles usable.
the shape allows the user to pull the faucet on when they can't reach it.
the shape allows the user to turn the faucet off
a very simple and inexpensive way to make tables fit the wheelchair user
with a piece of wood - shape and paint the "extension piece" to fit the table height that is needed. Nail or drill the piece to the table leg and the table can be adapted to any height desired.
this photo shows an accessible bathroom counter - made for wheelchair acess.
motion detector faucets are expensive but are an added helpful modification.
this toilet has a bidet - that lightly cleanses the individual after use.
for a truly wheelchair accessible shower - you need a five foot clear circle. modification can be made to accomodate existing space. other modifications such as more shower heads - (to keep the person warm while a care giver does the bathing), temperature sensitive faucets and shower heads, and hand held showers are possible.
Be sure to pick lightly surfaced tile for the bathroom floor - a smoothe tile will not be helpful.
A parker tub is an option for individuals who can't remain seated. This model has a seat built in, and jacuzzi jets for theraputic value.
A parker tub allows the individual or care giver to change the tilt of the entire tub with a remote control
A parker tub is very expensive - about $10,000 and is usually not covered unless you have a strong clinical justification for need.
This is a modification to a door to accommodate a ceiling track lift system.
This is one way to close the hole created by a ceiling track lift system
ceiling lift system with user and care giver
one option for getting up stairs in small spaces
this lift folds out of the way when not in use.
this is an option for pool and hot tub transfers requiring a lift system. We have two connection "holes" and we move the lift from hot tub to pool when needed.
this is an indoor lap pool for therapy .
The Independence Foundation Tour of Accessible Homes
View creative and inovative ideas for ability solutions. The tour took place in April 2008. Several families invited us to their homes so we could see how they made their home accessible for their children.
For more information about this tour of homes - pelase contact Chris at 716-685-3976.