What Is Visit-Ability?

Most homes have steps at every entrance, and have bathroom doors that are narrower than other interior passage doors.

Visitable homes have at least one entrance with zero steps, 32 inches of clear passage through all interior doors, including bathrooms, and at least a half bath (preferably a full bath) on the main floor.

Visitable homes are deliberately designed with basic access by residents who do NOT have disabilities.

What Are The Benefits?

Visitable homes can welcome guests who use wheelchairs or walkers, or have some other form of mobility impairment. Residents are more likely to be able to remain in their existing homes, rather than having to move out or do extensive, expensive renovation, if a family member develops a disability. All residents find it easier to bring in baby strollers, grocery carts, heavy furniture.

Sale and re-sale of the homes is enhanced in an era where the senior demographic is growing rapidly and baby boomers are attracted to homes that welcome their aging parents and provide easy-use homes for themselves. Visitability features cost little up front---unlike the higher after-the-fact cost of renovation for widening doors and adding ramps. Visitability features are easy to construct on most terrain, visually unnoticeable, and allow increased flexibility in selling or renting homes. On new construction, a zero-step entrance can usually be incorporated without a "ramp" by grading so that the sidewalk meets the porch.

For more information, see http://concretechange.home.mindspring.com. Or contact P&A 256-3100 or 1-800-432-4682 Statewide (V/TTY).