Accessible Home Questionnaire
General Conditions
- Is the general flow through the house, including halls, clear of obstructions and safe to travel?
- Are all interior doorways at least 32" wide between the frames?
- Are all interior thresholds no more than ¾" high?
- Have all high glare or slippery floor surfaces been changed to non-glare or textured?
- Are controls such as locks, thermostats, etc, at accessible levels for all who use them?
- Have all loose floor materials, including rugs, vinyl, or broken tiles been secured or replaced?
- Are permanent or temporary (movable) ramps needed?
- Are high contrast colors used to distinguish adjoining surfaces (e.g., door and doorway or counter to stove)?
- Are any changes in surface levels marked clearly by use of color or texture?
- Have all exposed cords and wires been arranged to prevent accidents?
- Does the home have a functional and easy to operate alarm system?
- Do all windows have accessible, operable locking mechanisms? Are they easy to use?
- Do all front and back doors have peep holes or side windows at appropriate heights for viewing visitors?
- Is the lighting adequate throughout the home, both for general areas and for specific tasks, such as reading, sewing, or food preparation?
- If stairs are carpeted, is the carpet securely attached to the stair itself? For stairs without carpet, make sure there is a tread.
- Is there a well-secured handrail on both sides of the staircase?
- Is the stairwell adequately lit, with switches at both the head and base?
Outdoor Areas and Entrances
- Are all paths leading to the main entrance at least 36" wide and of a solid and stable material?
- Is at least one entrance door a minimum 36" wide with 32" clearance?
- Is there adequate exterior lighting and spot lighting along paths and at all entrances?
- If there are steps up the home, is there a secure railing on at least one side?
- Does the main entrance door have a lever handle or one that is easy to use?
- Is there a canopy or covered area with a shelf or seating directly in front of the main entrance?
- Is the garage accessible and safe, and the passageway from the garage to the home easy to negotiate?
- Are all sloped ramps no greater than 1" up for every 20" out? If you are having trouble with the speed of your wheelchair down the ramp or the effort it takes to go up, it is likely too steep and should be redesigned with a shallower slope.
The Kitchen
- Are counter top edges delineated by a visual or textural contrast? Are they rounded to prevent injury?
- Do cabinets and drawers have lever handles or easy to grip knobs? Are they of a contrasting color from adjoining surfaces so that you can see them easily?
- Are cabinets above the counters hung at an accessible height?
- Are all appliances, storage areas, and outlets at an accessible height or location?
- Are the faucets and other appliance controls easy to reach and operate?
- Is there enough space on either side of the cooktop for sliding pans off the heat or adding ingredients to a pot?
The Bedroom
- Is there ample room to move around the bed without feeling confined?
- Is there a telephone or emergency call system near the bed for general use or emergencies?
- Are light switches at the appropriate height for the user?
- Are there light switches both at the bedside and outside the door to light the room before entry?
- Is room lighting – both overhead and task – adequate and safe for the user? (Note: If you are using a halogen torchiere, purchase a metal guard for the top because they can become very hot and are dangerous when placed next to drapery and other hanging material).
- Are all wires on or near the floor tucked away? Are they bundled together with tape or wire? This can prevent the possibility of trips and spills.
Bathrooms
- Is the sink at a comfortable height for those who are using it? Are the controls easy to use?
- Is the toilet seat at least 19" from the finished floor?
- Are there grab bars near the toilet (wall or floor mounted) for bracing? (1) 42" and (1) 24" are recommended for side and rear walls, respectively. The height should be 33" to 36" from the floor.
- Is there at least 1 ½" between the wall and the grab bar? Is the diameter of the grab bar between 1 ¼" and 1 ½"?
- Is there proper and safe access to bathing/showering facilities? Are there grab bars in and outside of the bathing/showering facilities?
- Is the floor a non-skid material that is safe when wet? Is there a textured mat in baths/showers?
- Is a portable or built-in seat needed for the shower/bath? Is there a 24" grab bar at the controls side of the tub (should be 25" - 27" high)?
- Would a hand held shower unit be helpful in the shower/bath? Is there an anti-scald device?
- Are all of the cabinets and drawers easy to operate? Do they contrast in color from adjoining surfaces?
- Have all exposed pipes and sharp edges been covered or rounded?
