Our list of services is very short. Our only function is to provide convenient rental accommodations to wheelchair users. That is it.
Of course, then we get into the nuts and bolts of our operations. There are many, many items that go into making this possible. In fact, we have a list of 124 items which may need to be modified on a standard built home to make it actually totally usable for wheelchair users. We will go over some of these here just for a general idea. Some of our Board of Directors are in wheelchairs so that gives them a very good idea into how things should be set up.
Our plan at this time is to build two bedroom, two bath and two car garage single family houses to rent. If this is as successful as we are planning, we may expand into duplex or triplex units set up the same. We believe from our research that the available market is strong enough to support our vision.
One very strong element to an accessible home is to make sure that a wheelchair can get into the home. For this, the homes will all be built on a slab base and have a very minimal slope into the building at the low thresholds. This will be on all entryways into the house. This includes the front door, back door and the entrance from the garage.
Some may wonder why a person in a wheelchair needs a two car garage. And there are several reasons. Many wheelchair users do drive and they need a garage for the same reasons that an able-bodied person does. Many persons in a wheelchair have motorized chairs which may weigh in excess of 400 pounds and are normally carried in a van. To get the chair in and out they require use of a ramp. A two car garage will allow a user to use the ramp while inside the garage and have protection from the elements.
Bathrooms are a very big concern for a wheelchair user. Of course, there are all the things like a handicap toilet that everyone thinks of. We will be incorporating those plus items like roll in shower, counters made to roll under, low mirrors and many other smaller items. There are many wheelchair users who have caregivers in the house, along with family members. Most people do not realize the urinary and bowel problems that many people in a chair contend with, especially those with a spinal cord injury. It could very easily require an hour or even two to complete a bathroom visit. With two bathrooms, other persons in the house are able to use the other bathroom.
When you get to the kitchen, there are a number of items which will be addressed. We will give a general idea of some items which have to change. Several cabinets need to be built where a wheelchair can roll underneath. These include the cooktop and sink cabinets. Oven and microwave cabinets have to be where a chair user can reach the appliance. There needs to be at least five feet of space to be able to turn a chair around. Also, all electric plugs, along with the garbage disposal switch must be reachable.
For the entire house there are a number of items to be modified. All doors will be 36” wide for access. All light switches will be lowered and all electric plugs will be raised. The thermostat will be lowered also. We plan to change air conditioner filters on a monthly basis because that is a difficult task for a chair user and we want it done regularly. We will also mow the yards on a regular basis, as once again that is a difficult task with a chair.
These are just a few of the items which will go into the homes we build. As mentioned above, there are over 100 others items which may be addressed.
Of course, then we get into the nuts and bolts of our operations. There are many, many items that go into making this possible. In fact, we have a list of 124 items which may need to be modified on a standard built home to make it actually totally usable for wheelchair users. We will go over some of these here just for a general idea. Some of our Board of Directors are in wheelchairs so that gives them a very good idea into how things should be set up.
Our plan at this time is to build two bedroom, two bath and two car garage single family houses to rent. If this is as successful as we are planning, we may expand into duplex or triplex units set up the same. We believe from our research that the available market is strong enough to support our vision.
One very strong element to an accessible home is to make sure that a wheelchair can get into the home. For this, the homes will all be built on a slab base and have a very minimal slope into the building at the low thresholds. This will be on all entryways into the house. This includes the front door, back door and the entrance from the garage.
Some may wonder why a person in a wheelchair needs a two car garage. And there are several reasons. Many wheelchair users do drive and they need a garage for the same reasons that an able-bodied person does. Many persons in a wheelchair have motorized chairs which may weigh in excess of 400 pounds and are normally carried in a van. To get the chair in and out they require use of a ramp. A two car garage will allow a user to use the ramp while inside the garage and have protection from the elements.
Bathrooms are a very big concern for a wheelchair user. Of course, there are all the things like a handicap toilet that everyone thinks of. We will be incorporating those plus items like roll in shower, counters made to roll under, low mirrors and many other smaller items. There are many wheelchair users who have caregivers in the house, along with family members. Most people do not realize the urinary and bowel problems that many people in a chair contend with, especially those with a spinal cord injury. It could very easily require an hour or even two to complete a bathroom visit. With two bathrooms, other persons in the house are able to use the other bathroom.
When you get to the kitchen, there are a number of items which will be addressed. We will give a general idea of some items which have to change. Several cabinets need to be built where a wheelchair can roll underneath. These include the cooktop and sink cabinets. Oven and microwave cabinets have to be where a chair user can reach the appliance. There needs to be at least five feet of space to be able to turn a chair around. Also, all electric plugs, along with the garbage disposal switch must be reachable.
For the entire house there are a number of items to be modified. All doors will be 36” wide for access. All light switches will be lowered and all electric plugs will be raised. The thermostat will be lowered also. We plan to change air conditioner filters on a monthly basis because that is a difficult task for a chair user and we want it done regularly. We will also mow the yards on a regular basis, as once again that is a difficult task with a chair.
These are just a few of the items which will go into the homes we build. As mentioned above, there are over 100 others items which may be addressed.