Fact Sheet on Accessible Housing
Accessible housing means different things to different people. What is accessible for one person will often be inaccessible for another depending on their physical condition and limitations. While most of us think of people in wheelchairs when we think of accessible housing, issues around housing are not limited those with mobility issues; people with hearing or vision limitations can also benefit from accessible housing however these pages are more targeted to those with mobility issues.
"Accessible" generally means a house or apartment, which is designed to be functional for the people living there. Accessibility is about much more than ramps and can include lifts, fixtures, appliances, floor plans and other features which make it possible for the homeowner and their family to perform all the functions that any other family would normally perform.
That said, not all limitations can be overcome by accessible design and construction techniques but life for a person with a physical disability can be made much easier by following the principles of accessible housing design.
Ideally, everyone who has accessibility needs would have a house designed and built for them which would meet their needs and simplify their life, but in the real world most people have to work with what they have and modify their surroundings as best they can. The topics I cover here will give some direction to making homes accessible for many types of disability issues.
Please bear in mind that where measurements and specifications are quoted, they are generally accepted values but your local building codes may be different and should be checked out before making changes.
