SCI Forum
Home Adaptations and Modifications after Spinal Cord Injury
Presented on June 12, 2007, by Pam Stockman, Occupational Therapist, University of Washington Medical Center. Watch the video or view the slide show of the presentation from this page. You will find a list of resources at the bottom of the page.
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Video (divided into two segments for easier viewing; click the link to view each segment):
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Home Modification, Part 1: Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principles of universal design. (20 minutes)
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Home Modification, Part 2: Photographs and discussion of adaptations and home modifications made by individuals with SCI. (40 minutes)
Slide show (slides only from the presentation, without narration):
- Part 1: Americans with Disabilities Act and the principles of universal design.
- Part 2: Photographs of actual modifications done in the homes of individuals with SCI. These are provided for general information purposes only and not intended as specific recommendations or endorsements.
(Note: These files are large and may take a minute or so to open.)
- Accessing the home: Entries, ramps, gardens and lifts.
- Bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Kitchens and home offices.
- Odds and ends: Switches, doorknobs, thresholds, storage and more.
Resources
- Some insurance companies may cover modifications considered medically necessary, and these would need to be outlined in a letter of justification by an occupational therapist (OT).
- Use your best judgment when hiring contractors. Get references, and check the company with the Master Builders Association and the Better Business Bureau (contact information below).
- Funds for modification are also available through civic and government organizations. Note: The following list is not meant to be inclusive or an endorsement by the University of Washington or its employees.
- Easter Seals of Washington, 206-281-5700 or 800-678-5708, ext. 123 (http://wa.easterseals.com/)
- RAMP (Regional Access Mobility Program), 425-259-7922.
- Rebuilding Together, 800-473-4229 (http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/) .
- Catholic Community Services, 206-323-6336.
- Paralyzed Veterans of America, 888-860-7244 (http://pva.org).
- King County Home Accessibility Modification Program (HAM), 206-296-7640 (http://www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/Housing/RepairHAM.htm) – provides financial assistance for low and moderate income tenants to make necessary modifications to their rental units.
- Master Builders Association, 425-451-7920 (http://www.masterbuildersinfo.com/).
- Better Business Bureau, 206-431-2222 (http://welcome.bbb.org/).
- Local Fire Departments: Contact their union and ask about their Benevolent Association. They are often willing to donate time to assist with minor remodeling for access.
- Internet resources:
- http://www.adaptiveaccess.com – accessibility.
- http://www.lowes.com – material, ideas.
- http://www.homedepot.com – material, ideas.
- http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/ – universal design.
- http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum –online discussion forums on many topics.
- http://www.springstreet.com – clearinghouse for rental properties.
- http://depts.washington.edu/caws/guide_ho.shtml – Quick Guide to Accessible Housing for People with Disabilities, Community Access Washington State, Center for Disability Policy and Research, University of Washington.
- http://www.adaptiveinstallations.com – contractor specializing in accessible home remodels and building.
- garrethschuh@yahoo.com – architect specializing in accessible construction designs.