Home Modifications and Accessibility Pam Stockman Occupational Therapist University of Washington Medical Center

Tonight’s Objectives The American’s with Disabilities Act and how it applies The principles of Universal Design and its application in your life Home accessibility needs post rehab Long-term home accessibility ideas

ADA “Barriers to employment, transportation, public accommodations, public services, and telecommunications have imposed staggering economic and social costs on American society and have undermined our well-intentioned efforts to educate, rehabilitate, and employ individuals with disabilities.”

ADA “By breaking down these barriers, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will enable society to benefit from the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities, will allow us all to gain from their increased purchasing power and ability to use it, and will lead to fuller, more productive lives for all Americans.”

ADA “The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in…

ADA public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. Fair, swift and effective enforcement of this landmark civil rights legislation is a high priority of the Federal Government.”

Universal Design Ronald L. Mace: architect Founder of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University

Principle One: Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

Principle Two: Flexibility of Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities

Principle Three: Simple and Intuitive Use Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level

Principle Four: Perceptible Information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities

Principle Five: Tolerance for Error The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions

Principle Six: Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum fatigue

Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility

Rehab Needs for Safe Discharge Accessible entry Basic bathroom modifications Bed & mattress recommendations Appropriate Equipment