If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury, you may need to use a wheelchair either full or part time.
There are several ways to create a more accessible space for you and your wheelchair. Some families are able to alter an existing floor plan, build an addition, or convert existing rooms. More commonly, you’ll be replacing steps with ramps, widening doorways, and adjusting the height of countertops.
If you’re remodeling, you may need to research ADA Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities for acceptable dimensions and regulations.
Some adaptations include:
- Lever style door handles that are easier to use than doorknobs
- A door that swings outward instead of inward
- Doorway widened to 34” or more
- Lowered countertops
- Curb-less shower stall in bathroom
- Grab bars in shower and by toilet
- Toilet height and base adjustment
- Ramps in place of steps
Ramps are Used by Many Wheelchair Users After SCI
According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramps should be a minimum of 36 inches wide. Your ramp cannot be too steep, with a ramp rise of not more than 1 inch per every foot of ramp. Any ramp that rises more than 6 inches must also have 36-inch high handrails on both sides for safety, too.
Long ramps are safer than steep ramps. For manual chair users, if you have a hard time pushing uphill, longer is better than steeper, too. Make sure your ramp doesn’t begin to slope right outside the door; a level landing on the porch is necessary. Ramps can’t rise above 30 inches without a level landing. Check out the basics of ramp building here.
Premade ramps are typically removable, so considered “private property” rather than “real estate,” and not subject to building codes. Typically made from aluminum or galvanized metal and designed to fit over existing steps, they start at a few hundred dollars. If you are going to carry and set it up yourself, you’ll want a lighter ramp. You’ll still want to heed dimensions suggested for safety purposes.
Home modifications aren’t cheap. Many organizations offer financial assistance. Check out the VA, AmeriCorps, the American Red Cross, and The Individual Adaptive Equipment Grant from the Travis Roy Foundation to name a few.
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