Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Has nybody checked out CNET.COM's Digital Home section? It has some interesting stuff. http://www.cnet.com/4520-7903_1-5110442-1.html?tag=cnetfd.dir = Keith Yahoo Messenger: kh78748 Skype: kh78748
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Lori, I totally agree with you on the carpet issue. My wife and I stopped at a Menard's for kicks and giggles one day and came across a wooden floor sale that they were having on higher quality wood floors. We ended up buying a high quality wood floor for approximately 3 dollars a square foot. At that price for this quality, we could not pass it up. We removed our carpet and replace it with this wood floor approximately one year ago and there is not even a scratch in the wood yet from my wheelchair because the flooring material we bought has a ceramic coating. Having this wood floor sure made our lives easier and has the house so much cleaner because of everything you said about carpeting collecting all the dirt. This flooring is so easy to install I'm sure your husband would be able to handle it. Jim
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Building a structure is like taking a trip. You can take the road most traveled, get there safe and know your expenses. Or you can take an unknown road, get lost find your way, get lost again and find you way again. You may run out of gas with no place to refill and end up camping at a motel because you drove too far out of the way. But you will have loads of experience to tell others. Some like traveling... others don't... W In a message dated 1/5/05 5:56:39 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << When you deviate from the row construction it can cost an enormous amount of money. For instance, my house was built with a paraplegic in mind. While it is not perfect for me, but very adequate for most paraplegics, it cost roughly $35,000 more than any of the other houses in my community. The majority of this cost was due to the fact he (the initial owner) wanted a larger bathroom and hallways. Billy from Tampa >>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
When you deviate from the row construction it can cost an enormous amount of money. For instance, my house was built with a paraplegic in mind. While it is not perfect for me, but very adequate for most paraplegics, it cost roughly $35,000 more than any of the other houses in my community. The majority of this cost was due to the fact he (the initial owner) wanted a larger bathroom and hallways. Billy from Tampa C2-3 9 years post[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Most homes are designed for others to use. Rare is the custom home. To a contractor, using a proven designs means a smooth project from pouring the concrete, to framing the structure and adding the brick before the wiring, water and heat are added. To a building contractor, timing is everything cuz you are paying people to show up and work. When you have a fingerprint structure, you have design changes due to poor planning, and you still have to pay your labor force to show up. This adds to the construction costs and fewer profits. That is why contractors like row houses. They generally know how long everything takes and where to cut corners.Fingerprint, designs are different. Between the design, the blueprint and the construction... there are changes.Another aspect to consider is knowledge vs practicality. When happens when its! time to sell the house. Who would consider buying a structure built for me?Still another thought regarding limits. To some, $10,000 is the limits. Yet to others, money is no object means $250,000. And for others..$2 million is merely a ball park.Recently in our area, a person built a modular home that was perfect for him and his MS among homes costing their owners big dollars. After the house was completed, his neighbors decided that the house as constructed didn't meet their design covenant and had lesser amount of square footage and filed suit against the owner. So you have a case where the perfect house for someone offended others. What a twist, eh?Planning is everythingWIn a message dated 1/5/05 11:15:21 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:Yes ... also for me ... a separate guest house for an aide or other. Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more.
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Jessica, Two words -flush entry. My house doesn't have stairs coming into it anywhere. All ways into my house have no stairs, front door, garage door, 2 patio doors into the back yard. Even the able bodied will appreciate not having to negotiate stairs when they are elderly. Personally, I think it should be a law for all new home construction. Ramps can be dangerous especially in winter and lifts can fail. I'll write more later. I can even send you my floor plan. Eric. Jessica Ann Gordon wrote: hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Thanks Mark, your schedule shows how important can be. A week off could delay basic plumbing from being installed. 1500-2100 sq ft is a modest structure and not the most demanding when it comes to construction. Can you imagine a community of 300 homes, all custom designed and custom built, exceeding 10,000 square feet with full basements and enclosed garages, with elevators. Most are bricked, while a few want cement float finish. All include fireplaces and are afforded by those who pay cash for their demands. Everyone wants theirs first and these contractors are working 6-1/2 days per week trying to keep up with the demand. So when one consider designing a fingerprint floor plan and then try to execute the plan... something usually goes wrong and you have to back up and wait to meet with the designer and contractor to decide who is right. At times it can be a nightmare. (rolling eyes) But you know you've been there. W In a message dated 1/5/05 12:48:47 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Hey Wheel, The homes we build in this subdivision I live in are about 1500-2100 sq ft. and if the weather complies it takes us around 12 weeks to complete which is pretty fast but after you build 100 you get all the kinks worked out. >>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Hey Wheel, The homes we build in this subdivision I live in are about 1500-2100 sq ft. and if the weather complies it takes us around 12 weeks to complete which is pretty fast but after you build 100 you get all the kinks worked out. Time is money in construction because if you get behind it starts costing the Contractor and an unhappy Contractor is a nightmare! I'll paste a Schedule I designed for each house we build and this is how I keep track of things from the office. PLAN - LOT DATE STARTED DAY 1 BUILD PAD GET A PERMIT CALL FOR CABINETS CALL HEAT/AIR TO ORDER MATERIAL SET POWER POLE CALL FOR TEMPORARY POWER PUT UP JOB SIGN AND PERMIT ORDER REBAR & VISQUENE ORDER WIRE MESH & STAKES ORDER TRUSSES IF NEEDED ORDER WINDOWS & DOORS SCHEDULE PLUMBER DAY 2 DIG FOOTINGS SET UP MONOLITHIC SLAB DAY 3 SET PLUMBING DAY 4 GRADE FOUNDATION TIE REBAR LAY VISQUENE & WIRE ORDER FRAMING PKG DAY 5 POUR CONCRETE STRIP FORMS DAY 6 START FRAMING GO OVER PLANS AND SPECS WITH FRAMER SCHEDULE PLUMBER & CHECK SPECS HEAT/ AIR & CHECK SPECS ELECTRICIAN & CHECK SPECS CALL STACEY WITH SIDING COLORS CRAIN OPPERATOR IF NECCESSARY DAY 7 FRAMING CALL FOR WINDOWS & DOORS DAY 8 FRAMING ORDER ROOFING & TURBINES & WALL TO ROOF CALL BUG MAN AND SPRAY EXTERIOR 315-3117 SCHEDULE SIDING MAN Order Brick & angle Iron DAY 9-11 HEAT/AIR ROUGH IN PLUMBING ROUGH IN ELECTRICIAN ROUGH IN SCHEDULE SCHEDULE ROOFER COMMON WALL TO BE SHEET ROCKED INSULATOR CALL FOR FRAMING INSPECTION IF NEEDED DAY 12 INSULATION ORDER SHEETROCK DAY 13 SHEET ROCK BEING HUNG SCHEDULE TAPING WITH MATT DAY 14 CALL ONE CALL FOR UNDERGROUND POWER CALL RANDY CARTER FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE PERMANENT POWER & UTILITIES FINISH SHEET ROCK SCRAP OUT HOUSE DAY 15-17 START TAPING & ACOUSTIC CEILING ORDER TRIM PKG & Exterior Doors!!! SCHEDULE PAINTER WITH COLORS DAY 18-22 SCHEDULE CABINETS SCHEDULE PAINTER WITH COLORS SET CABINETS CALL FOR PERMANENT POWER SET GARAGE & PATIO & SIDEWALK POUR CONCRETE ORDER SHRUBS & PAPER & GREEN TRIM ORDER FLOOR COVERING SCHEDULE FLOOR COVERING GRADE YARD START YARD WORK-SOD & SHRUBS ORDER VANITIES-MARBLE TOPS/STYLE & COLOR RW-3/Spec CALL FOR CLOSET SHELVES LIGHTING CHECK SPECS FOR LOCATION &STYLE COLUMNS & SHUTTERS DAY 23 SCHEDULE AND ORDER GARAGE DOOR SCHEDULE CEILING INSULATION CALL FOR SCREENS VINYL INSTALLATION INSTALL VANITIES ORDER CABINET KNOBS ORDER INTERIOR KNOBS ORDER MIRRORS ORDER APPLIANCES SET MAILBOX Walkway in Attic DAY 24 CARPET INSTALLATION DAY 25 PLUMBERS TRIM HEAT & AIR TRIM DOOR KNOBS & HARDWARE & BASE BOARD CABINET KNOBS ELECTRICAL TRIM FOR PIG TAILS SCHEDULE FINAL CLEANING DAY 26 FINAL CLEANING DAY 27 SUPERVISOR WALK THROUGH PUNCH LIST CHECK ALL YOUR SPECS BUILDERS CLEAN UP ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 11:39:01 AM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility Most homes are designed for others to use. Rare is the custom home. To a contractor, using a proven designs means a smooth project from pouring the concrete, to framing the structure and adding the brick before the wiring, water and heat are added. To a building contractor, timing is everything cuz you are paying people to show up and work. When you have a fingerprint structure, you have design changes due to poor planning, and you still have to pay your labor force to show up. This adds to the construction costs and fewer profits. That is why contractors like row houses. They generally know how long everything takes and where to cut corners.Fingerprint, designs are different. Between the design, the blueprint and the construction... there are changes.Another aspect to consider is knowledge vs practicality. When happens when its time to sell the house. Who would consider buying a structure built for me?Still another thought regarding limits. To some, $10,000 is the limits. Yet to others, money is no object means $250,000. And for others..$2 million is merely a ball park.Recently in our area, a person built a modular home that was perfect for him and his MS among homes costing their owners big dollars. After the house was completed, his neighbors decided that the house as constructed didn't meet their design covenant and had lesser amount of square footage and filed suit against the owner. So you have a case where the perfect house for someone offended others. What a twist, eh?Planning is everythingWIn a message dated 1/5/05 11:15:21 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:Yes ... also for me ... a separate guest house for an aide or other..
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Hubby & I lived and learned. We both had to sell our homes and it's not easy. And both were regular homes - no special handicap features. This was a pie-in-the sky questionairre so I pied! :-) Interesting though that a whole neighborhood near us has nearly every-other home built with a separate or semi-separate area. When they were building some ... nosy here went up looking at them up-close. I couldn't figure out why SO MANY have this feature. And beyond that, WHO ACTUALLY BUYS them. None are for sale so someone does! I caught one couple outside one day and asked. But I already forgot! I'm 40 now - my excuse. I think some are for woodworking, some for extra area and some that are detached are for live-ins or in-laws. Lori ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 01/05/05 10:39:41 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility Most homes are designed for others to use. Rare is the custom home. To a contractor, using a proven designs means a smooth project from pouring the concrete, to framing the structure and adding the brick before the wiring, water and heat are added. To a building contractor, timing is everything cuz you are paying people to show up and work. When you have a fingerprint structure, you have design changes due to poor planning, and you still have to pay your labor force to show up. This adds to the construction costs and fewer profits. That is why contractors like row houses. They generally know how long everything takes and where to cut corners. Fingerprint, designs are different. Between the design, the blueprint and the construction... there are changes. Another aspect to consider is knowledge vs practicality. When happens when its time to sell the house. Who would consider buying a structure built for me? Still another thought regarding limits. To some, $10,000 is the limits. Yet to others, money is no object means $250,000. And for others..$2 million is merely a ball park. Recently in our area, a person built a modular home that was perfect for him and his MS among homes costing their owners big dollars. After the house was completed, his neighbors decided that the house as constructed didn't meet their design covenant and had lesser amount of square footage and filed suit against the owner. So you have a case where the perfect house for someone offended others. What a twist, eh? Planning is everything W In a message dated 1/5/05 11:15:21 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes ... also for me ... a separate guest house for an aide or other.
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Most homes are designed for others to use. Rare is the custom home. To a contractor, using a proven designs means a smooth project from pouring the concrete, to framing the structure and adding the brick before the wiring, water and heat are added. To a building contractor, timing is everything cuz you are paying people to show up and work. When you have a fingerprint structure, you have design changes due to poor planning, and you still have to pay your labor force to show up. This adds to the construction costs and fewer profits. That is why contractors like row houses. They generally know how long everything takes and where to cut corners. Fingerprint, designs are different. Between the design, the blueprint and the construction... there are changes. Another aspect to consider is knowledge vs practicality. When happens when its time to sell the house. Who would consider buying a structure built for me? Still another thought regarding limits. To some, $10,000 is the limits. Yet to others, money is no object means $250,000. And for others..$2 million is merely a ball park. Recently in our area, a person built a modular home that was perfect for him and his MS among homes costing their owners big dollars. After the house was completed, his neighbors decided that the house as constructed didn't meet their design covenant and had lesser amount of square footage and filed suit against the owner. So you have a case where the perfect house for someone offended others. What a twist, eh? Planning is everything W In a message dated 1/5/05 11:15:21 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes ... also for me ... a separate guest house for an aide or other.
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Notice I didn't ask for counters or cupboards lowered. Or under-the-sink space. Not even a roll-in-shower since showers hurt my skin and aggravate my spasms. I opt for easy bed baths. But want a huge bathroom to go in to have my hair curled, etc. My injury is so high I cannot DO anything like wipe cupboards, get cups out or even food. Unless there's a miracle .. I'm dependent on others. Sooo, I need/want the other things I listed. And, yes, I have a dog and hope to have more so central vac too. As long as there is a good foundation hardwood floors (highest grade I'd want for durability and looks) are fine. My hubby especially wants them. I see commercials and other programs showing shiny hardwood floors ... am so envious. I love the look of carpet but after abt 2 yrs with an electric w/c they get pretty matted. Plus they're a great storage place for dustmites, spores and any allergin. And fleas if you live in a humid area. No matter what ... once fleas get in a carpet the eggs keep multiplying by the millions. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Marjorie Fergerson Date: 01/04/05 14:33:26 To: Lori Michaelson Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility Your plan sounds wonderful, kinda like what I've been picturing in my mind. Must have - if you have dogs. - central vac that has a plate along the baseboard in the rooms that you sweep dust over to and wha-la it's gone! We have 3 dogs that are part of the family, if I could just get them to sweep up their doghair. Can any weight of chair go on the hardwood? Byron and his chair weigh over 600#'s. I was thinking painted cement floors. We have tile and some of them are cracking. The tile is a pain with the hoyer also. Marji Son - Byron C4/C5 4/27/03 at age of 24 Topock, Arizona Never give up.Hope Quoting Lori Michaelson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > > I'll keep my answer short & simple. I'd like the floor plan HUGE > (with > money being no obstacle) and an "open floor plan." > > Widened doorways or archways from one room to another. > > Glorious hardwood floors throughout. > > Solar heating roof in at least half the house so colder days I can > just sit > in a warm area. With an indoor tropical area and waterfall. > > Ceiling track lifts at least in the bedroom. The bedroom I'd want > HUGE as > well to fit my hospital bed in it and a king sized bed as well. Plus > a good > area to maneuver in and around the beds and furniture. A sitting > area in > the bedroom as well. Nice homes near us have those. > > A pool with a lift. A hot tub inside & out with lifts. Ceiling > track lift > from bed to indoor hot tub and to tub. > > Very level lot with grass & a yard as smooth as a golf green. > Ideally a 2-5 > acre home with pretty trees. > > Actually (with money not a problem) we'd like 2 homes. One in the > northeast > near my family for summers & fall. One somewhere out west here for > wintering. > > A COMPLETELY accessible office (huge room) with my own workspace and > then > hubby would have his in the same room opposite me. > > ECU unit to the max. > > Remote-controlled vacuum. I'm anal on vacuuming but if we had > hardwood > floors ... not an issue. > > HUGE attached garage to enter my van on yucky days without going out. > > H. Must be more but tis all for now. > > Lori > > ---Original Message--- > > From: Jessica Ann Gordon > Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45 > To: Quad List > Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility > > hi all --- > > my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has > been > assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for > disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to > live > almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his > presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need > help --- > > i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free > to write > as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects > and > engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. > > 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your > home or > in public and how do they affect you? > > 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built > to work > with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if > money > were not an issue? > > 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? > > 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation > following your > disability/accident? > > 5 -- is
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Well Lori, your prayers are answered. I'll just add your name behind mine for America's Extreme Home Make Over. Started working on my home 2 years ago when my wife left but now I say why waste the time and money when they're just going to come in and destroy all my fine work (lol) :-) tahouston - Original Message - From: Lori Michaelson To: Quad Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 12:23 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility I'll keep my answer short & simple. I'd like the floor plan HUGE (with money being no obstacle) and an "open floor plan." Widened doorways or archways from one room to another. Glorious hardwood floors throughout. Solar heating roof in at least half the house so colder days I can just sit in a warm area. With an indoor tropical area and waterfall. Ceiling track lifts at least in the bedroom. The bedroom I'd want HUGE as well to fit my hospital bed in it and a king sized bed as well. Plus a good area to maneuver in and around the beds and furniture. A sitting area in the bedroom as well. Nice homes near us have those. A pool with a lift. A hot tub inside & out with lifts. Ceiling track lift from bed to indoor hot tub and to tub. Very level lot with grass & a yard as smooth as a golf green. Ideally a 2-5 acre home with pretty trees. Actually (with money not a problem) we'd like 2 homes. One in the northeast near my family for summers & fall. One somewhere out west here for wintering. A COMPLETELY accessible office (huge room) with my own workspace and then hubby would have his in the same room opposite me. ECU unit to the max. Remote-controlled vacuum. I'm anal on vacuuming but if we had hardwood floors ... not an issue. HUGE attached garage to enter my van on yucky days without going out. H. Must be more but tis all for now. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45 To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
[QUAD-L] home accessibility
hey jessica 1)i have a tall wheelchair so i don't like going places where i have to sit under tables because most of the time i won't fit. 2)not sure how my life would be different. maybe less physical stress. as far as my home, automatic sliding doors like they have at many stores, intead of swinging doors would be nice. i have a bad habit of running into tables and other furniture. it would be nice if i could push a button and it would all fold up into the wall. also everything in the kitchen should allow for a wheelchair user to roll under it (stove, sink, counter top). finally there should be one touch screen digital remote to control everything from the tv to the toilet. 3)all day 4)we turned our garage into my room with a roll-in-shower and although i have a lot of space, i still have to reach for a lot of stuff. (i have a bad back) 5)make all inventions upgradable. because there's nothing worse than needing something for your model of whatever and not being able to get it because it's not compatable. luke From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has beenassigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design fordisabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to livealmost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in hispresentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to writeas much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects andengineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home orin public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to workwith you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if moneywere not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following yourdisability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers toknow from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the peoplewho can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this projectdevelops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it willlead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with thisdisability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
I'm in the process of building an accessible home and the most important things for me are: Wider hallways and doors. Low threshold doorways. Large open rooms. Definitely extra outlets in Mstr Bedroom around the bed. Level Lot. At least an 8' garage door and preferably 18' instead of 16'. Cabinet height and obstructions underneath them need to be eliminated. Roll in Shower. Intercom. Mark ---Original Message--- From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:44:11 PM To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all ---my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has beenassigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design fordisabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to livealmost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in hispresentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help ---i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to writeas much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects andengineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for.1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home orin public and how do they affect you?2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to workwith you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if moneywere not an issue?3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day?4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following yourdisability/accident?5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers toknow from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the peoplewho can make or break accessibility for us.i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this projectdevelops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it willlead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with thisdisability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input.jessica .
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Title: Home Accessibility Jessica, The apartment I’m in was designed by a Para and I think the brother of someone with CP. They’re about 25 yrs old so they could use a lot of updating and as Wally & Billy pointed out no 1 design will be perfect for everyone. And designs that were tailored for a Para may not be good 2 a quad. As with Lori I like a large floor plan *open from family, room, kitchen area. Did I mention it would be a very large ranch style log cabin. Archway separating dining area, living room area. Large roll in shower, large bathroom, of course cutouts under all sinks. The pool with with lift is a definite must might as well make it a wave pool so that I can exercise or others can exercise. Hot/ Jacuzzi sounds good also with the lift of course. I don’t know much about the solar thing but the indoor tropical area sounds good or indoor garden, with a very large skylight. A rap around porch that can be enclosed and heated in the winter so that I can push around the house 4 exercise in the winter & in climate weather. A small lake with a pier that goes out for me 2 roll out on & fish :) As you see I want 2 be out in the country a lil bit. Have 2 have a very large garage. A lot of extra storage space for some reason it seams as if I accumulate more junk now but also 2 stock pile supplies. Indoor gym with accessible workout equipment that I can use totally by myself. Did I forget that all closets in bedrooms be large I mean large walk/roll in closets. Like Lori I need a very large office space, but unlike Lori there’s no *HUBBY* eventually maybe wifey. But I’ll have 2 ask for another office for her. As a matter of fact I’ll want another building out back that will serve as a guest house, it’ll have a bar, large screen TV for me & the guys 2 watch sports, also my office that way I can get out the house 2 do some work & have some solitude. You did say $$$ was no object I think REAL BIG Wally I didn’t forget about the quad boxes either they’ll be everywhere. :) Houston On 1/4/05 1:23 PM, "Lori Michaelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'll keep my answer short & simple. I'd like the floor plan HUGE (with money being no obstacle) and an "open floor plan." Widened doorways or archways from one room to another. Glorious hardwood floors throughout. Solar heating roof in at least half the house so colder days I can just sit in a warm area. With an indoor tropical area and waterfall. Ceiling track lifts at least in the bedroom. The bedroom I'd want HUGE as well to fit my hospital bed in it and a king sized bed as well. Plus a good area to maneuver in and around the beds and furniture. A sitting area in the bedroom as well. Nice homes near us have those. A pool with a lift. A hot tub inside & out with lifts. Ceiling track lift from bed to indoor hot tub and to tub. Very level lot with grass & a yard as smooth as a golf green. Ideally a 2-5 acre home with pretty trees. Actually (with money not a problem) we'd like 2 homes. One in the northeast near my family for summers & fall. One somewhere out west here for wintering. A COMPLETELY accessible office (huge room) with my own workspace and then hubby would have his in the same room opposite me. ECU unit to the max. Remote-controlled vacuum. I'm anal on vacuuming but if we had hardwood floors ... not an issue. HUGE attached garage to enter my van on yucky days without going out. H. Must be more but tis all for now. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45 To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be wr
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility-low voltage outlets
LOL. For those who didn't understand Stuntman's humor... a "Quad-Box" is an electrial wall box with 4 female sockets instead of just 2 sockets. This way you can have twice as many plug in sockets. The is a box that holds 6 sockets for those interested. The fewer wires on the ground the less chance of snagging one with the tip bar on your chair (lol, like that never happened before) W In a message dated 1/4/05 1:26:15 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I recently suggested to someone who was considering on rehabbing their home for accessibility to include "Quad Boxes" every 6 ft in their rooms.< Hey! I don't want to be stuck in no stinkin box! ;^P Stuntman >>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility-low voltage outlets
> I recently suggested to someone who was considering on rehabbing their home for accessibility to include "Quad Boxes" every 6 ft in their rooms.< Hey! I don't want to be stuck in no stinkin box! ;^P Stuntman -- It's not the fall that hurts. Home page http://tnthompson0.tripod.com/homeincyberspace/ Graphics portfolio http://tnthompson1.tripod.com/index.htm Domain space http://nw-in.com/index.html
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility-low voltage outlets
I recently suggested to someone who was considering on rehabbing their home for accessibility to include "Quad Boxes" every 6 ft in their rooms. My logic escaped the designer who thought duplexes were enough. After the work was completed and they moved back in... they realized that there weren't enough plug-in sockets for all of their low-voltage adapters. Everything operates from low-volts these days. They ended up using extension boxes with quad outlets. It would have been much cleaner had they followed my advise, in the beginning. Now they have extension cords on the floor that must be watched.And life goes on... and on. W In a message dated 1/4/05 12:58:06 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Lori You1re going 2 have 2 help my architect out designing my place when the time comes. I love the home you described. Except my office won1t have room 4 hubby :) or wifey my office will be my place of solitude :) >>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Title: Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility Lori You’re going 2 have 2 help my architect out designing my place when the time comes. I love the home you described. Except my office won’t have room 4 hubby :) or wifey my office will be my place of solitude :) On 1/4/05 1:23 PM, "Lori Michaelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'll keep my answer short & simple. I'd like the floor plan HUGE (with money being no obstacle) and an "open floor plan." Widened doorways or archways from one room to another. Glorious hardwood floors throughout. Solar heating roof in at least half the house so colder days I can just sit in a warm area. With an indoor tropical area and waterfall. Ceiling track lifts at least in the bedroom. The bedroom I'd want HUGE as well to fit my hospital bed in it and a king sized bed as well. Plus a good area to maneuver in and around the beds and furniture. A sitting area in the bedroom as well. Nice homes near us have those. A pool with a lift. A hot tub inside & out with lifts. Ceiling track lift from bed to indoor hot tub and to tub. Very level lot with grass & a yard as smooth as a golf green. Ideally a 2-5 acre home with pretty trees. Actually (with money not a problem) we'd like 2 homes. One in the northeast near my family for summers & fall. One somewhere out west here for wintering. A COMPLETELY accessible office (huge room) with my own workspace and then hubby would have his in the same room opposite me. ECU unit to the max. Remote-controlled vacuum. I'm anal on vacuuming but if we had hardwood floors ... not an issue. HUGE attached garage to enter my van on yucky days without going out. H. Must be more but tis all for now. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45 To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
I'll keep my answer short & simple. I'd like the floor plan HUGE (with money being no obstacle) and an "open floor plan." Widened doorways or archways from one room to another. Glorious hardwood floors throughout. Solar heating roof in at least half the house so colder days I can just sit in a warm area. With an indoor tropical area and waterfall. Ceiling track lifts at least in the bedroom. The bedroom I'd want HUGE as well to fit my hospital bed in it and a king sized bed as well. Plus a good area to maneuver in and around the beds and furniture. A sitting area in the bedroom as well. Nice homes near us have those. A pool with a lift. A hot tub inside & out with lifts. Ceiling track lift from bed to indoor hot tub and to tub. Very level lot with grass & a yard as smooth as a golf green. Ideally a 2-5 acre home with pretty trees. Actually (with money not a problem) we'd like 2 homes. One in the northeast near my family for summers & fall. One somewhere out west here for wintering. A COMPLETELY accessible office (huge room) with my own workspace and then hubby would have his in the same room opposite me. ECU unit to the max. Remote-controlled vacuum. I'm anal on vacuuming but if we had hardwood floors ... not an issue. HUGE attached garage to enter my van on yucky days without going out. H. Must be more but tis all for now. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Jessica Ann Gordon Date: 01/02/05 12:44:45 To: Quad List Subject: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
My ideas for a kitchen will be put to work when I buy my own home. I am a para at the T-7 level and have a good reach. I would rid upper cabinets all together and have cabinets that go from the floor up. I would have a couple of sets. The door would open and inside would be shelved. Each shelf will pull out and I would have a drawer incorporated in them somehow. I would have a counter top in between the cabinets could be a little higher and I could pull my chair underneath it. The largest cabinet would be in the corner extending on each side. A spice rack would be on on the inside of one of the doors so easily accessible when the door is opened. Of course I would have a nice size kitchen to work with and possibly have an island that I could also pull my chair under. but now I am talking about big bucks to have the kitchen of my dreams. Stacy - Original Message - From: River Wolfe To: quad-list@eskimo.com Cc: Quad List Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 2:41 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility Hello Jessica,Your father is to be commended for his efforts. I am happy to answer your questions:On Jan 2, 2005, at 2:44 PM, Jessica Ann Gordon wrote:> 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your > home or> in public and how do they affect you?I must mention that I' m a t-4 para, so my answers will be a little different than some of the others.First of all, ramp guidelines are too steep for everyday use. I have a ramp in the middle of my home and it gets very tiring using it 20 times a day. Also, the ramp into the home, trying to come in with groceries etc is a pain.Hallways are too narrow, and doorways too narrow, also doors, when open into the hallway are in the way alot. Pocket doors are useful. My biggest complaint I believe is the difficulty with storage. Kitchen cabinets are too high and lower cabinets are very difficult to access. Pull out shelves and baskets help, but are expensive and limit the space you have available to use. Space problems are prevalent all over the house. Closets, garage storage, etc... To design a universally useable storage system would be awesome. The ability to open windows, and curtains would be a plus, windows must be clear of obstacles so that I can get up to them to open. This is practically impossible.Public obstacles are similar, carpet with a heavy nap comes to mind. Clothes racks which are too close together, counters too high. I know I'm missing stuff.> 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built > to work> with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if > money> were not an issue?Life would be S much EASIER, less frustration and less wasted energy (physical & mental), perhaps freeing up that energy for an increased ability to work.I would ask for the things in #1 and: an elevator, electronic everything (windows, curtains, doors, shelves, heated ramp outside, garage big enough for my van, completely accessible gardens outside, front loading washer/dryer, built in oven& microwave, refrigerator with access to freezer. Roll in shower with built in bench, sauna. Totally state of the art accessible kitchen for ME & my use.>> 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day?24>> 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation > following your> disability/accident?>widened doorways, ramps, pulled up carpet, lowered some kitchen counters, made two rooms into one, enlarged bathroom, installed grabbars.> 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and > designers to> know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the > people> who can make or break accessibility for us.Spend some time in a wheelchair, without the pity factor. Make it a learning experience for your designs. Follow up on your plans with contractors and the actual installation of the design. Many people on the construction site will see a plan for access and not knowing what the heck it is, will change it back to the way they usually do it. IE: light switches lowered, tp rack lowered, outlets raised etc...WE HAVE VERY LITTLE $ to finance things.I'll write more as I think of it.R
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
lots of common and simple changes can really make a big difference. i replaced all my carpeting with hard wood, raised the john, made a walk(roll) in show out of the old one (rented a jack hammer and bought readymix - my kids did it) and ramped all three entrances to the house. these simple things make a big difference. back in mich, my dad built a top and walls around the back door to garage access. the cost wasn't much and now ramps and lifts are out of the weather. the toughest part of any of this is just getting started. grab a hammer and start in. dave In a message dated 1/3/2005 2:50:47 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: hi all ---my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has beenassigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design fordisabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to livealmost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in hispresentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help ---I'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to writeas much or as little as you'd like. I'd like for all these architects andengineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for.1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home orin public and how do they affect you? \ I live in northern Minnesota with extreme cold temperatures and snow. It would be nice to have door openers and closures work in the extreme temperatures like they do in the summer. It would also be nice to have an economical way to melt snow and ice off the handicap ramp because when you put salt or sand down you end up dragging it throughout your home. It would be nice to have wider doors and hallways and bigger standard bathrooms. 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to workwith you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if moneywere not an issue? If I had unlimited funds I would want an enclosed ramp leading from the house to the garage to protect me from the weather. I would want automatic door openers with battery backup that work in the extreme temperatures. Automatic faucets that turn on when you put your hand underneath them like you find in some public bathrooms. Bigger rooms and closets with quality wood floors. I would want the house wired with computer access in every room so I would be able to run the house from within any room by voice activation. Easier opening windows. 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 12 -- 24 hours per day 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following you are rdisability/accident? Removed all the carpeting and installed wood floors, knocked down a wall between two bedrooms to make one large bedroom, installed the handicap ramp, took off door knobs and put on lever handles so I can open up outside doors and made the patio door wider by taking out the doorstop and turning the door handle upside down. Added a phone line to the bedroom for Internet use and put blocks underneath the computer table so I can get underneath it with my wheelchair. 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers toknow from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the peoplewho can make or break accessibility for us. Design and test all equipment in extreme cold weather like door openers and closures, vehicle lifts (hydraulics fluid gets too thick where the ramp takes minutes to unfold and to be lowered to the ground) that are remote controls that are easier to use. Wheelchairs need better drive systems to keep the wheelchair going straight when driving over uneven ground and obstacles. Have wider standard hallways and doorways in new homes in case of accidents that cost disabilities. Windows that are easier to open by people with disabilities. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this projectdevelops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it willlead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with thisdisability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. Jim Krocka, C-5/6 incomplete, 4.5 years post, Duluth, Minnesota. jessica The moral flabbiness born of the bitch goddess Success. That- with the squalid cash interpretation put on the word success- is our national disease. -William James 1906 <>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
First of all, I have to agree with wheelchair, that it is almost impossible to get a house which is accessible for every possible disability. There were, however, bills before the Senate and the House last year, and unfortunately I don't know the outcome of these bills, requiring any home which is built using a federally insured loan to have at least one accessible entrance. This is probably one of the biggest issues architects should incorporate in every house. With the aging population and the potential of an extended family member becoming disabled it is much more cost effective to require this small and extraordinarily inexpensive feature to be incorporated in the building process, instead of trying to retrofit later. 1. My house is pretty accessible (was built that way), but I would like to have the entire house wired for X10 so I could operate everything with my ECU. It would be additionally nice to install a drinking device built into my kitchen which can be used hands-free. I do have such a device, but I keep putting the installation of this on the back burner. 2. If I had been the initial builder (he was a paraplegic) I would have made the bedroom and roll-in shower much larger. If I had unlimited funds, I would lower all the thresholds on all of my friend's house, so I don't have to feel that I am imposing on them if I am invited over to a party. Additionally, I would have really liked to have gotten a beautiful live-in maid. LOL. 3. 12-24 hours 4. Not applicable 5. Keeping with wheelchair's point, quadriplegics that do not have arm mobility don't require cut-outs under sinks, lower shelves in closets, lower kitchen counters, etc.. Billy from Tampa C2-3 9 years postJessica Ann Gordon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: hi all ---my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has beenassigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design fordisabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to livealmost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in hispresentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help ---i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to writeas much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects andengineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for.1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home orin public and how do they affect you?2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to workwith you and your disability? what would you ask for in t! hat home if moneywere not an issue?3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day?4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following yourdisability/accident?5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers toknow from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the peoplewho can make or break accessibility for us.i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this projectdevelops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it willlead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with thisdisability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input.jessica Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more.
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
hi all ---my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has beenassigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design fordisabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to livealmost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in hispresentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help ---I'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to writeas much or as little as you'd like. I'd like for all these architects andengineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for.1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home orin public and how do they affect you? \ I live in northern Minnesota with extreme cold temperatures and snow. It would be nice to have door openers and closures work in the extreme temperatures like they do in the summer. It would also be nice to have an economical way to melt snow and ice off the handicap ramp because when you put salt or sand down you end up dragging it throughout your home. It would be nice to have wider doors and hallways and bigger standard bathrooms. 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to workwith you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if moneywere not an issue? If I had unlimited funds I would want an enclosed ramp leading from the house to the garage to protect me from the weather. I would want automatic door openers with battery backup that work in the extreme temperatures. Automatic faucets that turn on when you put your hand underneath them like you find in some public bathrooms. Bigger rooms and closets with quality wood floors. I would want the house wired with computer access in every room so I would be able to run the house from within any room by voice activation. Easier opening windows. 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 12 -- 24 hours per day 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following you are rdisability/accident? Removed all the carpeting and installed wood floors, knocked down a wall between two bedrooms to make one large bedroom, installed the handicap ramp, took off door knobs and put on lever handles so I can open up outside doors and made the patio door wider by taking out the doorstop and turning the door handle upside down. Added a phone line to the bedroom for Internet use and put blocks underneath the computer table so I can get underneath it with my wheelchair. 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers toknow from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the peoplewho can make or break accessibility for us. Design and test all equipment in extreme cold weather like door openers and closures, vehicle lifts (hydraulics fluid gets too thick where the ramp takes minutes to unfold and to be lowered to the ground) that are remote controls that are easier to use. Wheelchairs need better drive systems to keep the wheelchair going straight when driving over uneven ground and obstacles. Have wider standard hallways and doorways in new homes in case of accidents that cost disabilities. Windows that are easier to open by people with disabilities. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this projectdevelops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it willlead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age,city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with thisdisability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. Jim Krocka, C-5/6 incomplete, 4.5 years post, Duluth, Minnesota. jessica <>
Re: [QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Hello Jessica, Your father is to be commended for his efforts. I am happy to answer your questions: On Jan 2, 2005, at 2:44 PM, Jessica Ann Gordon wrote: 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? I must mention that I' m a t-4 para, so my answers will be a little different than some of the others. First of all, ramp guidelines are too steep for everyday use. I have a ramp in the middle of my home and it gets very tiring using it 20 times a day. Also, the ramp into the home, trying to come in with groceries etc is a pain. Hallways are too narrow, and doorways too narrow, also doors, when open into the hallway are in the way alot. Pocket doors are useful. My biggest complaint I believe is the difficulty with storage. Kitchen cabinets are too high and lower cabinets are very difficult to access. Pull out shelves and baskets help, but are expensive and limit the space you have available to use. Space problems are prevalent all over the house. Closets, garage storage, etc... To design a universally useable storage system would be awesome. The ability to open windows, and curtains would be a plus, windows must be clear of obstacles so that I can get up to them to open. This is practically impossible. Public obstacles are similar, carpet with a heavy nap comes to mind. Clothes racks which are too close together, counters too high. I know I'm missing stuff. 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? Life would be S much EASIER, less frustration and less wasted energy (physical & mental), perhaps freeing up that energy for an increased ability to work. I would ask for the things in #1 and: an elevator, electronic everything (windows, curtains, doors, shelves, heated ramp outside, garage big enough for my van, completely accessible gardens outside, front loading washer/dryer, built in oven& microwave, refrigerator with access to freezer. Roll in shower with built in bench, sauna. Totally state of the art accessible kitchen for ME & my use. 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 24 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? widened doorways, ramps, pulled up carpet, lowered some kitchen counters, made two rooms into one, enlarged bathroom, installed grabbars. 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. Spend some time in a wheelchair, without the pity factor. Make it a learning experience for your designs. Follow up on your plans with contractors and the actual installation of the design. Many people on the construction site will see a plan for access and not knowing what the heck it is, will change it back to the way they usually do it. IE: light switches lowered, tp rack lowered, outlets raised etc... WE HAVE VERY LITTLE $ to finance things. I'll write more as I think of it. R
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
Home Accessibility, Auto accessibility and Wheelchair accessibility. All different ... and yet all three have something in common. Its the same prevailing thought within the TAB as well as DAB communities. "If its good enough for me its good enough for everyone else." While that bears some truth its misleading. Within the DAB community "fingerprinting" makes life a lot more tolerable then ordinary community standards. And that is what is so frustrating to designers. What is good for you... may not be adequate for David, in Texas. What might be heaven for a "Quad" with mobility and space needs... could be hell for "Little Person." What might be perfect of a "Little Person" may be an obstacle course for a person who is "Sight-Impaired." So what is the perfect permanent structure for everyone with every type of physical, developmental and social disability? Does one building truly exist? How about a hospital the services people with various disabilities. Are they properly designed? I think not. Get my drift? Hence, for a designer, contractor or funding source for construction you must start with some basic concepts. When this perfectly designed structure is completed for an individual and it may not be accessible to others with greater or lessor impairments. In a message dated 1/2/05 1:44:58 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? If one lives in a chair, everything in its way can become an obstacle and a source of frustration. Hence, walls, doors, windows, environmental controls, security and survival must be considered during concept. Then one must consider, if you have visitors and guests or aides, where do they sit, sleep or rest? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? What would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica >>
[QUAD-L] Home Accessibility
hi all --- my dad, an architect, is part of a convention in march where he has been assigned to speak on accessibility issues w/ a focus on design for disabilities. he designed my beautiful new home where i am free to live almost entirely independently. he has asked me to participate in his presentation and has given me free reign. so here is where i need help --- i'd like to hear from all of you on the following topics. feel free to write as much or as little as you'd like. i'd like for all these architects and engineers to hear first hand from the people they are designing for. 1 -- what are the physical obstacles you deal with every day in your home or in public and how do they affect you? 2 -- how would your life be different if you had a home custom built to work with you and your disability? what would you ask for in that home if money were not an issue? 3 -- how much time do you spend in your home in an average day? 4 -- what modifications did you make to your living situation following your disability/accident? 5 -- is there anything you would like architects, engineers and designers to know from your personal point of view? keep in mind, these are the people who can make or break accessibility for us. i may be writing again w/ more questions as my part of this project develops. i'm in the beginning phases and not exactly sure where it will lead. thank you ahead of time for your help. please include your name, age, city and state you live in, disability and how long you've lived with this disability. i really think this could be powerful w/ everyone's input. jessica
