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Chap 12 Physical Modification For Architectural Barrier

Architectural barriers modification

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292 views5 pages

Chap 12 Physical Modification For Architectural Barrier

Architectural barriers modification

Uploaded by

ranjitha b
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Chapter 12

Modifications physical and architectural barriers


for disabled

A persons self image depends greatly on interaction with the others and with
the environment
The process of rehabilitation is not complete unless it also helps the patient
live in an environment in which he/ she can be independent.
What is obstacle free for one person could be a barrier for another
For e.g. a person with visual impairment may be more comfortable in smaller
spaces where most items are within reach, where as a person in a wheel chair
maneuvers better in open spaces.

Environmental Modification
The decision-making process for environmental modification involves four
steps:
Determining patients needs
Prioritizing them
Mobilizing the necessary funds
Getting the jobs done.
Determining the Patients need
The patient has to be assessed in details to identify and modify environmental
barriers like Diagnosis, Severity of the disability, orthosis or prosthesis
hinderance, educational and vocational training, mental ability, mobility,
balance, motivation, location of each and every room in the house, school,
office station.
Establishing Priorities
Since most people have limited financial resources,priorities usually have to be
established.
Focus both on present and future needs and abilities
Priorities to be set:
Is the disability progressive
Will fatigue be an important future consideration
Life style values, interests and family demands
Getting the funds&Getting the Job done
Once the needs have been defined, the patients should be encouraged to
mobilize whatever finances are available to design the environment to suit
oneself.
The final step in this problem solving process ,involves decision on specific
design and selecting contractors to do work.
Architectural design features and their accessibility
1. Doors
The entrance door to the dwelling should be atleast 2feet 10" wide if door
opens 180˚,otherwise 3feet width to be sufficient,with no entrance step
Horizontal sliding door are easier to operate.
Hinged bathroom should swing outward.
Safety glass vision panels are recommended on doors so that people can spot a
disabled person approaching from the other side.
2. Stairs:
It has been noticed that the amputees,crutch or cane walkers prefer steps to
ramps
All the riser should have uniform heights.
If the stair is too big ,the person may fall forward.
Hand rails are placed on both sides approximately
3. Ramps:
Most wheelchair users can negotiate a sloped ramp .
Any ramp longer than 30 feet should be divided into sections with a 5feet x
5feet platform for resting between two sections.
Special rooms relating to various activities
1. Kitchen:
The three working centers are most efficiently arranged in U shaped
configuration with the stove in the centre
A minimum of 5ft width should be provided for the wheelchair to turn within
the kitchen
The drain should be at the rear of the kitchen sink and provide maximum
clearance for knees
Shelves should be pull out and adjustable in height at 2˝ intervals from about 2
feet above the floor
Wall storage cabinet should be acessible from the sitting position
2. Bathrooms
The bathroom presents more hazards than any other room, therefore planning
for safety is of utmost importance
It must be broader than normal with a minimal floor area around 40-45 sq ft
Grab bars capable of supporting 100-150 kg should be provided at the water
closet, shower and elsewhere
Bath tubs should be at the same level as the wheelchair, provided with hand
held showers
3. Living room
The room should be spacious for the wheel chair to negotiate turns
The chairs may be designed at the level of the wheelchair and with removable
armrest to facilitate transfer.
Carpets need to be avoided all over the house
4. Study room
The table should be higher than the wheel chair height
Books are arranged at reachable height
Lighting facility should be adequate to ensure good visibility
5. Transportation
Car:
The car seat should be of height of the wheelchair seat
Proper foot rest to get into it
Removable doors
Ample space for storing crutches or folding wheelchairs in the rear.
Modification to van such as lowering the floor, swivelling seat, space for
storing wheelchair accessories,or prosthesis or orthosis
6. Emergency
Exit sign placed near the floor below the smoke level, directing towards the
nearest stairway.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation falls short of its goals if it provide independence for
the individual only while at the treatment centre and then send him/her home
a prisoner to environmental barriers
Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for people in wheelchairs but also used
by all, are a common example
There are also cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several
heights to accommodate different tasks and postures.
Amidst many of the world's public transit systems, low-floor buses that
"kneel" (bring their front end to ground level to eliminate gap) and/or are
equipped with ramps rather than on-board lifts.

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