1 Aimee Sterk, MSW, MDRC Michele Seybert, UCP of Michigan Home Modifications

2 Home is a refuge, not only from the world but a refuge from my worries, my terrible concerns. I like beautiful things around me. I like to be beautiful, because it delights my eyes and my soul is lifted up. — Maya Angelou Home

3 Doorways and hallways Living Room Bathrooms and Bedrooms Steps/Stairs Funding Resources Previous webinars Definition of Home Modification Types of Home Modifications Aging in Place and Universal Design Entrances Home Modifications Overview

4 Assistive technology to overcome environmental problems –Any feature of home that is unsafe –Restricts access –Limits task performance –Results in discomfort What are Home Modifications?

5 Universal Design –Life span design applied to new homes Adaptability –Flexibility of building elements to be modified to accommodate people with varying disabilities Accessibility –Application of public building codes for accessibility inside/outside of home Accessible Route –Continuous pathway free of hazard/changes in level that connects important areas of home Types of Modifications

6 Aging in Place

7 Universal Design -Everyone can use the same features in the same way. Barrier Free - Separate features that eliminate barriers. Universal Design

8 The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University defines Universal Design principles: –Equitable use –Flexibility in use –Simple and intuitive –Perceptible information –Tolerance for error –Low physical effort –Size and space for approach and use These principles are broader than those of accessible design and barrier-free design. Universal Design Characteristics

9 Ramp or no-step Railings Level 5X5 clear space Shelf outside Threshold 36 inch door Door knobs Sidelights or 42 inch peephole Weather protection Lights Entrances

10 Interior doors Hallway features Closets Flooring Interior Circulation & Storage

11 Lift Chairs Couch Cane Furniture Arrangement –4 ft. wide walking area –Sharp edges Light Switches and Thermostat Lighting Living Rooms

12 Bathrooms

13 Open floor plan Block wheels Adjustable bed Bed cane Bedside light Tack down rugs Bedside commode Bedrooms

14 Easier and safer transfers Portable Units –Caregiver assist –Moves from room to room Permanent Units –Self-care –Hand control operation Ceiling Track Lift System

15 Handrails Rugs (nail down or remove) Adequate Lighting Second walker/wheelchair Stair lift Elevator Steps/Stairs

16 Children’s Special Needs Fund Veterans Administration Local Service Organizations Disability Associations Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund Possible Funding Sources

17 For children under age 21 Children’s Special Health Care Services eligible or enrolled Income requirements Coverage Categories –Home wheelchair ramps ($3,000 maximum) –Electrical upgrades to accommodate medical equipment in the home ($1,000 maximum) Children’s Special Needs Fund

18 Construct a specially adapted home Remodel an existing home if possible Apply grant toward unpaid principal mortgage balance of adapted home Maximum grant is $64,960 (2013) Veterans Affairs (VA) Specialty Adapted Housing Grant (SAH)

19 Adapt an existing home Help purchase home already adapted Maximum grant is $12,992 (2013) VA: Special Housing Adaptation (SHA)

20 Home Builders Association Habitat for Humanity Rebuilding Together Kiwanis Knights of Columbus Elks Ambucs Local Service Organizations

21 Disability Networks Area Agencies on Aging Multiple Sclerosis Society National Spinal Cord Injury Association Muscular Dystrophy Association Easter Seals Disability Organizations

22 Low-interest loans available for purchase of home modifications and equipment Available to individuals with disabilities and their families who reside in Michigan Application process Maximum loan amount is $30,000, no minimum Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund

23 See the resource handout! Resources

24 Please use the text chat area! QUESTIONS?

25 Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) (800) ucpmichigan.org Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) (800) Twitter: miassisttech Contact Information