Wheelchair Accessible Construction
In short wheelchair accessible construction means providing a person using wheelchair a safe, secure and accessible route for in and around a commercial or residential building. Ideally a building should be designed with wheelchair users in mind during the design phase as a construction requirement. Hoever for established buildings there is never too late to execute construction modification to make it more accessible.
The typical guidelines fo wheelchair accessible construction are as follows:
- Clear floor
When possible avoid using deep pile carpets or rugs since it is hard to move wheelchair on it. Low carpet pile is better but hard surface floor is the best choice. The floor should also be level and free from any thresholds. - Wide hallways
A 36-inch wide hallway is barely enough for a wheelchair user to pass. Make the hallway 72 inch wide or more. - Wheelchair lift / ramps
Building entrance should use ramps or wheelchair lift instead of stairs. When ramps are use grab bars/hand rails must also present.
- Doors
Either use automatic doors or ordinary doors with easy-to-grab handles. Round-shaped handles is a big no-no since it's much more difficult to open than ordinary handles - Designated parking space
Vans/trucks equipped with handicap lift/ramps requires extra space on the side/back for the wheelchair user to get in/off the vehicle. Vehicles with ramps require more space (at least 5 feet on the sides)
- Grab bars and handrails.
They provide the wheelchair user with stability and extra support -- and are particularly important in restrooms and beside ramps. - Accessible Shower
Walk-in shower can be used to minimize or omit the need of caregiver involvement when a wheelchair bound person need to take a shower.
The list above is in no way complete but it's a start however when talking about wheelchair accessible construction it's best not to talk in term of rights, mandatory, legislation, etc, but le'ts talk about giving. Give those you care about, who happen to be on a wheelchair, a chance to enjoy the surrounding as comfortable as you are.
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