The Accessible Home: Renovating for Your Disabled Child

Carla Baudot was a student in York University's Faculty of Environmental Studies in the field of Human Services, and the parent of a developmentally handicapped child.

Heather Snell, currently Director of Information and Education at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, has a Master’s degree from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, in Human Factors Design. She continues as well to be a partner in the design firm Design Alliance. In this book Snell makes a concerted effort to provide all-encompassing information for a family who has a disabled child and who is looking for an appropriate dwelling or for ways to modify the home.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section deals with the selection of an appropriate structure that can serve as a home for a family with a disabled child. In the second section, each chapter deals with one specific area of a home and how it could be modified to make it barrier-free. The last chapter gives a sampling of resources that may be useful for readers who would like to investigate further certain aspects.

Each chapter is introduced by a photo relevant to the subject of its chapter. Chapters are accompanied from time to time by comments or questions in the margins to indicate the precise idea being dealt with, within the context of its chapter. Almost all chapters use the sub-headings “problems and solutions” and “red tape.”

Although not specified in the title pages, this book is intended for use in Canada and refers throughout to Canadian provincial and civic standards, by-laws, etc. References to various structures, laws, pitfalls, and red tape to contend with, however, help pinpoint aspects to examine in any country in spite of the obvious fact that there will be variations in legalities, housing, equipment, and materials.

The format is easy to read and well laid out. The book is large with ample room in the margins for jotting down notes.

The author provides excellent questions throughout to make the reader aware of areas that may warrant examination. She shows how to look at the physical aspects of the person in order to determine building and renovation needs. Excellent illustrations are used in conjunction with this as well as with reference to equipment and room layouts.

Snell’s advice even includes strategies for gaining moral support from appropriate people when it comes to dealing with red tape or finding someone who can put in extra effort on one’s behalf.

This is indeed a book long overdue to help families in a practical sense and to permit greater understanding on the part of professionals as to the needs of disabled people. The next step perhaps will be to include information to make a pleasant and safe environment for families with a disabled child who also has a mental handicap.