Designing a barrier-free home is not only in the interest of those with a genuine disability, but also of those who want to design or redesign their home to make it easily usable into old age.
Architectural barriers are obstacles that impede or complicate movement within a building; these aren’t just steps or stairs, but also furniture, passageways, and openings, which can pose obstacles requiring solutions. It’s obvious that a single-level home would be the optimal starting point for designing a barrier-free home, but this isn’t always possible, so let’s explore the options.
Overcoming Steps and Stairs: Home Access Stairs
It’s possible that the entire home is located slightly above ground level. If you need to overcome a height of just a couple of steps, you might consider a mobile or portable ramp, while a fixed concrete or iron ramp is necessary for 4-6 steps.
If you have to overcome greater height differences, such as reaching the first, second, or third floors, the best solution is to install a stairlift or small elevator. In these cases, masonry work is generally not required, and therefore, the same bureaucratic procedures as with a standard elevator are not.
Overcoming Steps and Stairs: Internal Stairs
Unless the steps are just a few, as sometimes happens with a step between the kitchen and the living room, a ramp can help overcome the obstacle. When it comes to a staircase connecting the lower and upper floors, a stairlift or platform lift is necessary. Today, the market offers solutions for every need.
Corridors and Hallways
Passage from room to room is, of course, provided by corridors and hallways, which should be at least 90cm wide for wheelchair access, while a minimum of 150cm x 150cm is required for wheelchair maneuverability.
Kitchen
Undoubtedly the most important and practical solution is to install the sink, hob, and oven at the same level and wall-mounted, accompanied by any non-fixed storage compartments that can be moved as needed and then relocated below the countertop. Consider a front-opening oven door.
Living Room
Adjoining the kitchen and living room is recommended; the living room should preferably feature wall units with rounded corners to accommodate wheelchair maneuverability. When positioning tables, sofas, and other furniture, consider keeping them 70-90 cm apart to ensure they don’t impede maneuverability.
Bedroom
Although you may be adapting a pre-designed home, it’s still helpful to know some standard measurements: a single bed requires 300×350 cm, while a double bed requires 550×400 cm. The space next to the bed needs to be 150 cm, so it’s a good idea to consider this when positioning furniture and wardrobes. The mattress should be between 40 and 50 cm high, to facilitate the transition from the wheelchair to the bed, even independently.
Bathroom
All the necessary information has already been covered in a previous article on bathroom adaptations for disabled people.
Incentives
The cost of installing stairlifts and similar aids can be significant, which is why in Italy it has been possible to apply for the grant under Law 13/89 for years.
Of course, the necessary bureaucratic process must be followed: those eligible—generally disabled people with permanent mobility limitations—are required to submit certification from the Local Health Authority (ASL) certifying their total disability. The grant application must be submitted by March 1st of each year to the Municipality where the property undergoing the work or works is located. The application must include a description of the work and the expected cost, a medical certificate on plain paper certifying the applicant’s mobility impairment, and a certificate certifying 100% disability.