If you have the funds, there are all kinds of ways to modify existing floor plans, build additions, and convert existing rooms. If you’re remodeling, you can go by
ADA Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities for dimensions on doorways, thresholds, hallways, bathroom toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and roll-in showers, ect.
According to the ADA (although some cities' building codes are more strict so you may want to check), ramps should be a minimum of 36 inches wide with a ramp rise of not more than 1 inch per every foot of ramp so it isn’t too steep. Any ramp that rises more than 6 inches must also have 36-inch high handrails on both sides for safety. Turns on the ramp require a minimum 60-inch-by-60-inch level landing and a level landing on the porch is necessary.
Premade ramps are typically removable, so considered “private property” rather than “real estate,” and not subject to building codes. Typically made from aluminum or galvanized metal and designed to fit over existing steps, they start at a few hundred dollars.
For your bathroom some quadriplegic homeowners opt for creating curb-less shower stall. Or you can get a new shower pan to eliminate a tub and use a rolling shower chair. For quadriplegics with some motor function in the hands, consider having the sink lowered and remove under-sink cabinets or use a pedestal sink so you can get close. If you can’t remodel your bathroom, try a portable shower, which can be set up in any room. They are wheelchair-accessible, waterproof systems that use water tanks.
“For now I’ve converted my shed into a shower room. There’s lots of space! I just needed help getting hot water to the garden hose. I use a spray nozzle with a shower setting.” Rebecca, C6-7
“We converted my bathroom to a roll-in and then back to a bath (for various reasons). We elevated the bath to allow the hoist legs to fit under the bath. So now I get hoisted into the bath each time. Much easier for everyone involved.” Colin, C5
“After a decade of just an occasional shower in an accessible hotel room, I finally had my bathroom remodeled and it wasn’t as expensive as I thought. My husband used YouTube videos and knocked out the bath to make a roll I, shower and we just paid for materials.” Sara, C5
For your kitchen, quadriplegics with some hand function may want an open floorplan with pull-out or lowered surfaces to work on. Lower countertops to 34″ or less, leave space under the sink for wheelchair access, install single lever or touch faucets, and use loop pulls on drawers and cabinets.
Consider 34” wide doorways for your home, doors that swing outward instead of inward, and lever style door handles for quads with hand function.
Paying for Modifications
Home modifications aren’t cheap. A variety of governmental and non-profit organizations provide grants, loans, and volunteer services to help pay for home modifications for people with disabilities.
Check with your local Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
USDA Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504) funds accessibility modifications for very low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Check out the nationwide non-profit Rebuilding Together. They work on almost 10,000 homes per year to make them accessible for people with disabilities. Find out more information at
rebuildingtogether.org.
