More than a quarter (29%) of households with at least one person using a mobility aid reported that someone in the household had difficulty either navigating or using their home.
However, only about a third of housing in the United States is potentially modifiable for a person with a mobility disability. Less than 5% is accessible for individuals with a moderate mobility difficulty, and one-fifteenth of a percent (0.15%) of homes are accessible for wheelchair users.
Why make accessible updates to your home?
Accessible home modifications are more than just grab bars and ramps. Modifications eliminate barriers, provide adequate space, seek simple solutions, and consider the users' needs.
Making accessibility updates to your home can:
- Enhance safety and reduce accidents
- Reduce the risk of falls and injuries for those with disabilities and older individuals
- Promote and increase independence
- Allows everyone, including individuals with disabilities, to perform tasks more easily
- Accommodate all visitors to your home
- Allow older adults to age in place comfortably, and safely
- Can increase your home's value
Before starting updates, it's important to identify and prioritize your modification needs. Start by assessing your home's current accessibility and needs; then identify what updates you can do yourself, what updates you will need assistance with, and what updates you will need a professional for.
When making updates to your home, follow these guiding principles:
- 32” Minimum door clearance, 36” is better
- 36” wide travel path, 42” is better
- Remove all trip hazards and barriers
- 5’ turning space, but 6’ is better
- 28” - 38” finished countertop height.
The overall floor plan should include:
- Main living on a single story, including an accessible full bath, main bedroom, closet, kitchen, and all living areas
- No steps between rooms/areas on the same level
- Main bedroom must be at least 11.5’ x 14.5’ to accommodate wheelchair accessibility
Additionally, renters can request "reasonable modifications" to make their home accessible at a tenant's own expense. Property owners may require proof of disability and may also require a tenant to return the unit to its original condition.