Doors are an important part of a home’s décor. Stock styles have raised panels, flush veneers, or even batten boards or variety of glass panels. Doors can be made of wood, metal, or several composite materials; they can be solid or of hollow-core construction. They can be installed as singles or pairs; they can operate by sliding, swinging, or folding back on themselves. In order to serve wheelchair users, accessible doors must:
- Be wide enough to allow comfortable passage
- Be installed with adequate maneuvering clearance to open and then pass through the unit
- Include a low threshold or transition strip that won’t obstruct a wheelchair’s small caster wheels
- Be equipped with appropriate hardware that can be operated with low hand function
Copyright Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more in-depth information on making your home accessible, follow this link to purchase the PVA’s second edition of Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User or buy it directly from Amazon.