Wheelchair Accessibility Within Single-Family Homes

Abstract

Single-family homes in the United States often are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users have shared their significant experiences with facing barriers within their homes. This study built a shared understanding of what is needed in homes for wheelchair users and how designers and therapists can influence these needs. Further, it provides examples of how homes can better and more easily be designed or retrofitted to be wheelchair accessible. The data came from a series of semi-structured interviews with Wheelchair Users, Architects, and Occupational Therapists from Tucson, Arizona, on their experiences with accessible design. Each type of interview was given a different series of questions. The results showed that cosmetic changes such as doorways and flooring were the most straightforward changes, while bathroom layout and plumbing fixtures were the most difficult changes. These are essential changes to make, according to all interviewed. These results suggest that single-family homes are still a common barrier for wheelchair users and their caretakers. More attention needs to be made to accessibility from the design focus in order for fewer barriers and changes to be faced. Accessible homes are achievable if designed to be so from the beginning.