Barrier-free homes
Your dream home with every accessibility feature may not be feasible: cost is a major barrier as adaptations can be expensive, as well as there being possible structural limitations due to the building itself.
Many homes also don’t offer the space needed for getting around successfully in a wheelchair.
The kinds of changes to homes that make a difference include:
- Doorways These should be 30 inches wide or more to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Electricity Light switches and plug sockets can be relocated for easier access.
- Ramps These need to be at least 36 inches wide.
- Turning space Rooms should be at least 5 feet wide, particularly in high activity areas such as kitchens.
- Outdoor mobility Soft surfaces such as gravel and sand make wheelchair movement tricky. Hard surfaces, such as cement, allow easier access.
Financial help
There is the possibility of help with some costs. For instance, you may be able to apply to your local authority for a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £25,000. Grants are awarded after an assessment, normally be an occupational therapist, who makes recommendations about any adaptations that are necessary or appropriate.
Some items, if adapted solely for a disabled person’s use, may also qualify for VAT relief, so its possible to shave off some of the cost.