There are many steps you can take to make it easier to move around your home and garden.

This becomes very important if you use a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aids, or are unsteady on your feet for any reason. ‘Accessibility' is something Kiwis of all ages are considering when planning renovations or building new homes, says design specialist Richard Mobbs.

Richard is the senior designer for the Yes Ability Achievement Centre's accessible design and planning service. Based in Albany in Auckland, the service provides advice nationwide to families and organisations wanting to create safe, appealing living spaces. Richard has a long track record in accessible design. He says accessibility isn't just for those with physical impairments; good design is just as important for those who are deaf or vision impaired, or have limited dexterity. Poor design can create physical barriers that make a home difficult to live in, affecting health, safety, independence, self esteem, and happiness, says Richard. Many products are now available to allow people to remain in their existing homes after developing disability needs, while new homes can be individually tailored. Property developers and residential designers are beginning to recognise this growing consumer market; mainstream building firm G J Gardiner recently screened television ads promoting its own accessible designs.

Here are tips from Richard to make your living spaces friendlier, or to use as a guide when planning a new home.

Routes in and around your home

Paths on the property, and public paths surrounding the home, should be level or gently sloping (with a 1:20 gradient or less). Ideally the home should be sited on a level section that is handy to shops, facilities that are regularly used, public transport, and work. Parking and vehicle entry points outside the house should also be level. When choosing a home, ensure you feel safe in the neighbourhood. Paths should be at least a metre wide, preferably 1.2 metres wide, and joins should be ‘flush' against one another so there are no gaps or lips that can cause falls. If the ground slopes on either side of a path, kerbs and handrails will improve safety. If there are long paths with a slope, develop resting places every nine metres. A lift to bypass steep paths may better than using long or winding ramps. When planning paths, consider potential dangers such as windows that open outwards, creating a hazard when open. It may be necessary to fit window stays or restrictors to prevent injuries.

Garages and/or covered parking

These should be wide enough to provide easy access, long enough to fit a car with a rear-mounted hoist for equipment such as wheelchairs, and tall enough to store a vehicle with a roof-mounted chair hoist. Use of an automatic garage door opener is recommended, with plenty of power points in the garage to charge scooters and other equipment. Parking and garage areas should also have movement activated lighting along routes often used at night, and the route between the house and garage or carport should be level, with a well maintained path.

Other considerations

Entries should have a level porch or covered area with enough space to manoeuvre equipment. A minimum space of 1200x1200mm should be allowed outside all house exits. There should be at least two accessible exits in the home, in case fire blocks one. Ideally there will be no door sill, otherwise this should not be more than 20mm high. Locks and handles should be at an accessible level. Keyless entry products are a good option, or those that use a push button code lock. Doors should be fitted with handles rather than knobs and fitted at a suitable height. Access through doors is much easier when door widths are greater than the minimums required in the building code. For seated users, a spy hole at eye level, and a glazed panel in the entry door, are sensible security measures. A minimum of 300mm of clear space to the side of doors should be allowed so doors can be opened from the side. In the garden, raised flower and vegetable beds ( (1000-1200mm wide) should give access from both sides, if possible. The letter box should also be positioned at an accessible height.

Recommended kitchen products

Oven with side opening door.

This will reduce the risk of burns; ovens work best when fitted with smooth-running telescopic runners.

Ceramic hobs with front controls.

The flat surface minimises the need to lift saucepans, allowing them to be slid from a cooktop to the sink. Front controls ensure there is no need to reach across hot surfaces and pans.

Shallow bowled sinks.

For some people, the bottom of a deep bowl can be frustratingly out of reach!

Easily operated lever taps are better than ones with knobs.

Fridges/freezers.

These can be built into cabinetry and positioned to provide the best possible access. Freestanding appliances, if chosen with care, can provide good access to most storage spaces.

Benchtop power dock.

This provides safe, easy access to multiple power outlets when positioned towards the front of the benchtop.
Dish drawer dishwashers. Because of its compact size, a dish drawer can be fitted below the bench of most accessible kitchens, allowing everyone the convenience of using a dishwasher.

Electronically powered ‘rise and fall' units.

Benchtops can be raised and lowered to suit the accessibility needs of everyone in the house.

To contact Richard, phone (09) 414 5360, or his email address is richard@yesdisability.org.nz

Online, visit http://www.yesdisability.org.nz/

Watch for other accessible room, home, and garden design articles in future issues!