How to Make Your Home ADA Compliant for Your Child
Any child living with disabilities deserves a comfortable home that satisfies their mental and physical needs. If you want to make your home favorable for your disabled child, you may need special modifications. The disability issue could be vision problems, loss of strength, walking difficulty, or any other area that needs special attention. You may wish to make those changes out of love and compassion towards your child, but you need to understand the standard requirements.
Have you ever noticed that in some places (like stores, restaurants, hospitals, or government institutions), the bathroom counters have less than 34 inches’ constant height? Or their entrances are accessible by ramps. Many public facilities follow specific laws outlined by the government to protect the rights disabled, and that’s Americans with Disability Act (ADA). For those with disabilities at home, these laws still apply.
Maybe you’re aware of the ADA requirements naturally even before you read the law. But how do you make your home compliant with ADA regulations for your disabled child? Here are several ways to do so:
Replace Stairs with Ramps.
Stairs are unsafe for all children, whether they have a disability or not. But for those with limited mobility or using wheelchairs, stairs are hazardous. There are different designs of ramps in the market that you can acquire to replace the stairs. Ramps can allow smooth movement and access without much difficulty. They are also suitable for disabled kids who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
Install a Two-way-switch.
Everybody loves two-way light switches, but they’re even more helpful to the disabled. Your child may not be comfortable moving in darkness to locate a single switch. Consider the installation of the first switch at their bedroom door entrance and another one at the bedside.
It’s easy for the disabled child to use the entrance door switch for lighting the space, and comfortably switch it off when they need to and without much effort. If they are using the crutches or wheelchair, they don’t have to struggle in darkness to access the lighting switches.
Use Non-Slippery Floor Tiles.
There is little to explain the need for a slip-resistant floor in any house. If you have gone through the experience, you already know that it can be dangerous. We’ve seen people (even those without any form of disability) getting injured from skidded or slippery floors. And for your disabled child, you do not want them to face the dangers of accidental slips. Don’t ignore slippery floor tiles, especially in the bathroom, because that’s where most accidents happen.
Install ADA Complaint Kitchen Sinks.
Kitchen sinks and shelves should be less than 35 inches’ height to allow your child to access them independently. Your child will learn to be responsible if you let him/her practice general day to day chores. Disability isn’t inability. There are different ADA compliant sinks in the market, and the choice you make should depend on your child’s condition. ADA compliant sinks are suitable for everyone at home; they aren’t specific to the disabled alone.
Change your Furniture Arrangement.
Arrange your furniture to make it easy for your child to move around freely. There shouldn’t be any barriers or obstacles to their mobility. If they’re in a wheelchair, ensure that the space is big enough for the machine. Your furniture layout should not have sharp turns or narrow paths.
Place Handrails in Specific Areas.
If your child is unbalanced, has limited mobility, or is prone to fall, well-arranged handrails can help them. You may not be able to help them get up from the bed, bathroom, or chair every time. But in such a case, the handrails can make a difference.
There are many ways to make your home suitable for children with disabilities. These options may be overwhelming, but you must work with the ones related to your child’s condition. Also, in line with requirements, you should refer to ADA regulations for guidance.