Accessible Homes by Lowe’s

Friendly Wheels, Issue 30
August 2010

Barb and her husband, Larry, both use Amigo mobility aids. Their home was recently featured in Lowe’s Creative Ideas May / June 2010 issue. Using the principles of Universal Design (UD), Lowe’s Creative Ideas team designed an accessible home for a multi-generational household.

Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all, to the greatest extent possible. Without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Accessible Home Features Included:

Bathroom:

• Adding shallow sinks offered more leg room and easy access.
• A custom shower included adjustable grab bars.
• Built-in shower bench added convenience and safety.
• A L-shaped vanity created more storage space within reach.

Kitchen:

• Sink with drain in back adds more space underneath.
• A bottom-mount freezer keeps items within easy reach.
• Adjustable refrigerator shelving  placed at convenient heights.
• Cabinets with a higher toe-kick give more foot room. 

Bedroom:

• Smart space planning leaves enough room on both sides of the bed.
• Rocking switches use limited hand motion for lighting.
• Add pull-out pant rack and pull-down clothes rod in closet.

Living Area:

• Using floor lamps with low-glare bulbs will reduce eyestrain.
• Casement windows with crank handles open and close easier.
• Multipurpose room dividers can acts as a mini wall, entertainment center and a bookcase.

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