Visitability
Visitability is described in an article from the August 1997 New Mobility Magazine. This article is about a cconcept introduced by the owner of the Concrete Change Website
The concept involves making all new houses and buildings meet minimum accessibility requirements that enable people using wheelchairs and scooters to enter the premises without special assistance.
Specifics are:
· At least one level entry to houses and buildings.
· Minimum width doors of 32".
· Electric outlets and light switches that are reachable.
· Bathroom walls that are reinforced for grab-bars.
· Walk-in showers.
Houses and other buildings that are accessible to people in wheelchairs and scooters doesn’t mean those houses are less accessible for people who don’t need wheelchairs and scooters.
Benefits include:
· Relatives, friends, neighbors, and other visitors who are unable to walk without assistance can get into your home without help.
· Young families with baby strollers and buggies.
· People who use shopping carts can bring them inside.
· Getting large objects (furniture, appliances, building materials, etc.) in and out of the house will be easier.
· Moves will be easier.
· House will be more sellable because they will be accessible to a bigger buying market.
Consider the aging "Baby Boom" generation. As this large segment of the population approaches retirement age more and more people will have mobility problems and require assistance to walk and to get around independently. In-other-words there will be an increasing population of people on wheels in the future.
It’s time to prepare now, contact your state representative. Suggest a Bill legislating Visitability for all new construction single and multiple family dwelling construction.
The concept was enacted into law in the city of Atlanta, GA. A similar Bill has been introduced in the Illinois State Legislature. A similar Bill is being developed in Wisconsin.
Visitability in Europe
WI and PA
WELCOME from Wayne and Judy