As part of OneAccessibility *advocacy,*we share information about disability issues, inclusion, and or accessibility features on Maps. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
Caption: A photo showing chairs, table and stools in a living room.
Accessible or Inclusive housing means accommodation for people of all backgrounds including able, disabled no matter their income levels. It is a housing system without barriers of any sort.
Accessible housing could be constructed or modified to enable independent living for all persons especially people with disabilities. Accessibility is achieved through inclusive architectural design and by integrating accessibility features such as ergonomic furniture, wide doors, ramps, low door knobs, step free transitions across the floors.
Accessible housing, of course ensures that all sections are inclusive including bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, hallways, lifts, or electronic devices in the home.
Living Room/Family Room/Parlour
Living rooms should have doorless entry with no obstacle. The area should have a uniform level throughout the room which eliminates abrupt changes that can create trip hazards.
Light switches and sockets should be accessible from a sitting position and one switch should be located at the entrance to the living room.
Chairs and tables should be ergonomic enough to allow for PwDs, especially wheelchair users to comfortably move around without any challenge.
Electronic gadgets, with latest technology, should not really give PwDs any stress. Voice prompts, remote controls, translators, closed captioning, sensors and other assistive technologies would be helpful in the living rooms.
Caption: image showing three still tables, four red chairs and green settee with a painting on the wall
When it comes to inclusive homes, United Kingdom has the best law for accessible housing since 1999. The law makes requirements for accessible housing compulsory for all new home developments.
Some popular housing providers known for their inclusive concepts include Flexhousing in Canada, Universal Housing in the United States and Lifetime Homes in the United Kingdom. They have similar concepts for providing accessible homes and opportunity to modify their houses thereby encouraging them to live there for rest of their lives.
Have you ever seen an inclusive living room or an accessible house? What feature interested you the most?
If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under “Accessibility Uncovered”