![]() The ADA covers a wide range of disabilities that substantially limit a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks - this does include disabilities which are not immediately obvious to an outsider. For example, permission to add support bars in the bathroom is considered a reasonable modification. These acts also mandate that public areas, including work and housing spaces, either be accessible to those with disabilities or be reasonably modified to make them accessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act protect those with a disability from discrimination. What Makes An Apartment Handicap Accessible? You just have to know where to look and what questions to ask. ![]() Thankfully, many of today’s modern apartment communities are packed with ADA-compliant features and amenities. If you’re trying to figure out how to find handicap accessible housing, you need not fret. For those who require a wheelchair accessible apartment, that list becomes a bit longer. Please contact the ADA Information Line for more detailed information.Finding the perfect apartment is a major undertaking - it requires attention to a variety of factors such as location, price, unit layout, amenities, and more. Please note: This overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation of legally-binding accessibility features. However, with the right amount of research and with help from online tools like ApartmentSearch, it’s possible to find the perfect disability accessible apartment. Looking for a disability accessible apartment can be a stressful challenge. Lighting, adjustable shelves, and hanger rods in the closet also improve the apartment bedroom’s accessibility for the disabled or elderly.Ī useful search tool is the best feature! The room should be large enough to accommodate a bed plus 5 ft x 5 ft of space for maneuverability, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All light switches-not just the one at the entrance of the living area-should be accessible from a seated position. That could be a subtle ramp, a threshold limited in height to about one-quarter inch, or no threshold at all.Īnd since we’re talking about the entrance, it’s also worth noting there should be a light switch at the entrance to the room. The main living area should not have a door, but should have a wheelchair-navigable threshold. The sink and cooktop should have knee space beneath them. The corners of all counters should be rounded for safety. More important are continuous counters set at the same height and level as the cooktop or stove. ![]() Kitchens shaped like an “L” or “U” enhance accessibility, but don’t consider them deal-breakers. There should be enough open space along one side of the toilet and the bathtub to improve maneuverability.The bathroom door must be no less than 34 inches wide and open outward, which prevents the door from taking up precious bathroom space.When apartment searching, this is pretty easy to find because few apartments offer multi-story dwelling. “Non-slip” flooring includes hardwood, some ceramic tiles, and embossed sheet vinyl.Īt least one bathroom should be located on the main floor. Light switches must be at an accessible height. Hallways should be 4 feet wide, with well-secured carpet or non-slip flooring. It’s also vague- what’s a “usable” kitchen, anyway?-so here’s a rundown of some layout specifics for disability accessible apartments to aid in your apartment search. Your specific needs and apartment features may vary, but this list is a good start when speaking to building managers about an available unit. Reinforced walls in bathrooms for later installation of grab bars.Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations.An accessible path into and through the dwelling unit. ![]() Doors usable by a person in a wheelchair.An accessible building entrance on an accessible route.Fair Housing Act has seven basic design and construction requirements for most accessible apartments: Features of Disability Accessible Apartments The U.S. Not all disability accessible apartments are the same. But when an apartment includes features for disabled persons or the elderly, knowing what to expect is a challenge. Even before you enter one, it’s easy to determine the basic features of an apartment: living area, kitchen space, bathroom, and a closet or two.
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