by Wayne Caswell
12 months ago in Design Dilemma
Looking for unique Universal Design ideas
I'm interested in featuring projects that can easily accommodate little people, visiting seniors, and someone with a disability or broken leg from skiing. Universal Design principles help homes & products serve everyone regardless of age or ability. Common examples include stair ramps for wheelchair access that are also good for baby strollers and rolling luggage, as well as lever-handle doors & faucets that can be operated with an elbow when hands are full or messy.

I write about some of the technology solutions at Modern Health Talk (http://mHealthTalk.com) but am looking for examples where these solutions are in use. Can I use your story and photos in my blog? I'd give full credit of course.
 
Closet & Storage Concepts Hi Wayne,

Our pull down wardrobe lift might be something that interests you. Essentially it brings the clothing down to a level that is accessible to an individual who is in a wheelchair or simply has trouble reaching. It is hydraulic assisted which makes it easy to use and an image can be found here
https://pinterest.com/pin/201465783301108446/
or in the accessory section of our website
http://www.closetandstorageconcepts.com
let me know if you would like any more info
12 months ago ·
Wayne Caswell Bob,
Thanks for the reply. I looked at the photo on Pinterest and on your site, but I couldn't see how it worked and how a handicapped person in a wheelchair might use it. Since you said it was hydraulic assisted, does that mean it's electric or just that it uses hydraulics to manage the weight, like the rear door hatch of an SUV?

I envisioned something like we might see in a commercial laundry, where the clothes were hung on a conveyor belt-like apparatus. The master bedroom closet in my own home has a very high ceiling (nearly 2 stories) with three horizontal rods for hanging clothes. We have a nice extension pole for reaching the top rod, where we keep out-of-season items.
12 months ago ·
Closet & Storage Concepts Hi Wayne, the upper bar has a handle with a pull-knob dropping down that is at wheelchair level. From a seated position you can grab the handle and pull the bar holding the clothes down to your level. The assist is similar to a hatch on an SUV as you describe.
12 months ago ·
ontherim I purchased portable suitcase ramps for my front door so my spouse can get in/out on his scooter. Since the outdoors is lower than the house level, installing something permanent would require cutting down the storm door which i did not want to do. These portable ramps make it easy to pick them up once my spouse has gone through the door on his scooter, walker, or with his cane (he has Parkinson's).
7 months ago ·
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