Over 100 ways to improve access at home
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Ways to improve access at home
Outdoor areas
This section offers solutions to the following access barriers:
- The clothesline is too high
- The garden gate latch is difficult to reach and use
- The garden gate latch is located on one side only
- The garden tap is difficult to turn
- It is difficult to open the letter box with one hand
- The gardens ae too low
1. The clothesline is too high
- Install a height adjustable rotary clothesline.
- Install a fold-down clothesline outside your home (eg. Paraline).
- Install a fully retractable clothesline to outside walls and/or posts.
- Use a drying rack.
These items are available at hardware and discount department stores. Tradesperson assistance may be required for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
2. The garden gate latch is difficult to reach and use
- Replace the gate latch with an opener with a lever handle.
- Attach a length of rope to the gate latch and use it to pull the latch open and closed.
- Use a wedge to keep the gate open.
- Remove your garden gate if you have no need for it.
Available from hardware and discount department stores. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
3. The garden gate latch is located on one side only
- Install 180 degree hinges on the gate.
- Install spring hinges on the gate.
- Install a lever handle on both sides of the gate.
Available from hardware and discount department stores. Tradesperson assistance may be required for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
4. The garden tap is difficult to turn
- Install a lever handle.
- Use a tap turner.
Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. or your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
5. It is difficult to open the letter box with one hand
- Install a letter box with a side-opening door, drop-down door or no door.
Available from hardware stores. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
6. The gardens are too low
- Use a pot plucker (this is a tool that clips to the pot and allows the pot to be picked up without having to bend down).
Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.
- Use long-handled garden tools.
- Re-pot plants into larger pots to raise their height.
- Consider establishing raised garden beds.
These items are available from hardware or gardening stores.
Last updated 25 July 2007
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