Norwalk architect hopes ADA-accessible home design inspires others
Some of the accommodations include entrances and exits are level to the ground and doors and hallways that are wider than standard, to allow wheelchairs to get in and turn around.
More Stories
Norwalk-based architect Jan Degenshein has been working to redesign his home in a way that would make it livable for anyone with a disability.
Recently, he opened it up to a small group, hoping they would take some inspiration from it.
At first glance, it is hard for most people to tell that anything about the house has been changed.
"That's the idea," said Degenshein. "You want it to be an everybody house, not just for somebody to look at and say 'Oh it's for somebody that's disabled.'"
Instead, he explains, the alterations are more subtle.
Entrances and exits are all level to the ground and doors and hallways are wider than standard, allowing wheelchairs to get in and turn around.
Towel racks in the bathroom also double as support bars, while doors have handles instead of knobs, which are better for people with arthritis.
"It doesn't take very much other than common sense. It doesn't take very many dollars to do either," Degenshein said.
In hopes of spreading that idea, he invited Norwalk's Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Committee to cover over for a tour.
"It's not blatantly accessible, it's just beautiful," observed one member.
"His house is amazing, and it was very helpful, because it gave you ideas," says committee chairperson Carol Frank.
Those are ideas the members say they will now be able to reference, including informing people that simple fixes do exist.
"I would use this as an example for people that may live in an apartment," said Bill Hnatuk, the ADA coordinator for the city of Norwalk. "A lot of people aren't aware that they have the right to ask for things to be more accessible."
Members say the things Degenshein did are also good ways to be proactive for home building - including constructing walls with an extra layer of plywood behind them.
Degenshein says if the time comes to need to install extra supports or a chair lift on the steps, that layer then creates a strong area to put screws in - the sort of thing that can allow people to keep living in their homes longer than they might otherwise.
"You don't want to be forced out because you don't have the ability to accommodate whatever your need might be in the future," Degenshein said.
"That's the key for people," agreed Frank. "Just to learn about these things."
The ADA Committee says it is happy to share more about what it learned on the tour, or how to make anywhere else more accessible with anyone who is interested.
