Front Exterior Access
Problem
No transition from pathway made entering the main door challenging
Solution
Installed a short, heavy-duty wheel chair ramp from the pathway to the main door
Access to Backyard
Problem
Backyard was not easily accessible and the side of the property had a steep dangerous trench
Solution
- Re-graded and leveled the backyard
- Fenced the area in front of the steep trench to prevent falling
- Created concrete pathways to provide access to different parts of the back yard
Narrow Interior Doors
Problem
Some of the interior doors ways were too narrow to provide clearance for wheel chair
Solution
Installed offset door hinges that provided the extra two inches of clearance needed for the door swing and wider door opening
Garage Access
Problem
The interior door to the garage was not accessible.
Solution
Installed a remote controlled door system designed for the home environment that allows the interior garage door to be opened from her wheelchair.
Security
Wanda installed a home security system to keep her home and family safe and to give her peace of mind. The system she uses is called Alarm.com and it can be downloaded to a select few smart phones. She operates the system using her applications on her iPhone and iPod that allows her to turn the lights off and on, set the temperature, lock or unlock the doors and more. The application also sends her real-time notifications on any activity–such as a door opening around her house.
Problem
Home lacked security system
Solution
Implemented an easy to use and reliable security alarm system that also provided other benefits for safety, security, and managing energy use in the home
This is part of a series about Wanda Chenier’s remarkable universal design home makeover. The series covers how Wanda remodeled for accessibility and visit ability; technology and products she selected for safety; details about how she solved the bathroom and bedroom challenges in the original home and how she built her dream kitchen.