WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY DESIGNS
Nowadays modern wheelchairs provide mobility and independence very much needed by those due to any reason, whether by injury, illness, or disease, who cannot walk or have difficulties walking. With the new technology, many innovations have been made to improve the use and function of wheelchairs to further enhance their features and make them even more user-friendly, meeting the more specific needs of the disabled user. Through the years the wheelchair has developed from the traditional manual wheelchair to the electric and power wheelchairs, with as many features as you can imagine in order to perform any and every activity one desires and/or requires.
Though there have been strict regulations imposed in the last decade for architects to comply with, wheelchair access is still not acknowledged in many areas. To help in this regard, wheelchair access is now a requirement in most cities, such as sidewalks with ramp access. Supermarkets and department stores must have wheelchair access from parking to the aisles and cash registers. Most public buildings that have staircases to be accessed must also have wheelchair ramps for easy access. All these modifications have been implemented to meet and consider the needs of the disabled. Yet, - and in particular in the wooden prefab house world, - wheelchair access is not considered a priority by many companies.
In the house, there are some challenges that wheelchairs face. The problems of getting up and down the stairs, as it may be difficult to carry such heavy equipment especially given physical disability. There are some ways to help improve the situation: which we can propose.
The bathroom is one of the places that should be modified for wheelchair access. The usual problem arises in transfers from the door to the toilet and bathtub and back. Not only the access door shall be wider, but special rails need to be installed next to the toilet and the bathtub, so the disabled person can then use his torso or upper body and extremities to freely move about the area.
Another problem would be wheelchair access outside one's own house. Our prefab houses are elevated from natural grade to some 50 to 70 cm. Wheelchair access can only be achieved if a ramp is available. We can add this. Let us know whether your prefab house shall be wheelchair friendly and we will design and build prepare as per your request.