Spring is just around the corner, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a renewed focus on home and business projects. It's the perfect time to ensure your space is accessible and ready for everyone who visits. Whether you're preparing for increased foot traffic at your business or updating your home for family gatherings, addressing accessibility needs now can make all the difference.
Here’s your guide to preparing your home or business for accessibility this spring:
1. Evaluate Your Current Accessibility Features
Take a walk through your home or business as if you were someone with mobility challenges. Are there steps or thresholds that may be difficult to navigate? Are handrails, ramps, or pathways in good condition? Identifying trouble spots now can save time and effort later.
For businesses, this step is especially important. Customers expect inclusive spaces, and accessibility improvements not only demonstrate care for your community but also help you stay compliant with ADA and local regulations.
2. Upgrade Your Entryways
Spring often brings muddy shoes, slippery rain-soaked surfaces, and more visitors. Make sure your entryways are accessible and safe:
-
Add a threshold ramp: Options like the TRANSITIONS® Modular Entry Ramp for your home or the TRANSITIONS® Angled Entry Mat provide smooth, slip-resistant solutions for elevated doorways or entrances.
-
Install slip-resistant surfaces: Ensure all pathways, including ramps and stairs, are slip-resistant to help prevent accidents.
-
Check door hardware: Replace round knobs with levers that are easier to grasp and operate.
3. Create Accessible Outdoor Spaces
Warmer weather means more time outdoors. For homes, consider accessibility for patios, decks, or gardens. For businesses, focus on parking areas, walkways, and entrances.
-
Portable ramps: Portable solutions like the GATEWAY® 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp can help create temporary or semi-permanent access to outdoor spaces for your home.
-
Widen pathways: Ensure walkways are at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
-
Improve lighting: Add adequate lighting to ensure safe navigation, especially in the evening or during overcast days.
4. Plan for Interior Adjustments
Inside, small adjustments can significantly enhance accessibility. Consider:
-
Rearranging furniture: Create open pathways to allow easy navigation.
-
Lowering counters or shelving: Make essential items reachable for everyone.
-
Installing grab bars: Bathrooms are a common area for accidents, so adding grab bars near toilets and showers can provide extra stability.
5. Ensure Code Compliance
Whether you're upgrading a home or business, it’s crucial to meet accessibility standards. For businesses, that means adhering to ADA requirements. For residential properties, focus on universal design principles that enhance usability for all.
EZ-ACCESS® offers a range of compliant products and resources to guide you through this process.
6. Schedule Professional Inspections
Sometimes, an expert eye is necessary to identify areas for improvement. Consult with our team of accessibility professionals to assess your space and recommend tailored solutions.
7. Act Now, Enjoy the Benefits All Year Long
Spring is a season of renewal, and improving your home or business's accessibility can enhance comfort, safety, and inclusivity. These upgrades not only prepare you for spring but also create a more welcoming space year-round.
At EZ-ACCESS, we’re here to help you find the right solutions to meet your needs. From ramps and platforms to stairs and beyond, our accessibility products are designed to make life easier for everyone.
Ready to get started?
Explore our accessibility solutions today. Let’s make this spring the season of inclusivity and accessibility for all!