In Canada, 2.7 million people aged 15 and over have a mobility disability. More than 36% rely on a cane, walking stick, or crutches to stay mobile, and over half a million consider themselves to be housebound (almost 20% blame a lack of accessible transportation).
Fortunately, home and vehicle modifications empower people living with disabilities to enjoy more flexibility. You can move from one floor to another safely, explore the outside world in comfort, and regain some of your independence.
The process of modifying your home and vehicle to improve accessibility can appear complex. That’s why we’ve created the following guide to help you understand your options and the organizations offering funding.
What Home Modifications Improve Accessibility?
Here are some of the most common modifications available to make your home more accessible:
Stairlifts
You may struggle to use interior or exterior stairs safely, and either rely on someone else for help or avoid them altogether. But stairlifts are a simple, effective solution.
Installing a stairlift on a staircase inside or outside your home will enable you or a loved one to move from floor to floor safely. Various models are available to suit different staircase types, body sizes, and functional requirements.
Stairlifts for straight staircases are the most common. Read about the most important features to look for when buying straight stairlifts.
Transferring Devices
Transferring devices are designed to help people with mobility disabilities related to illness, injury, or age. They allow faster, safer transfers between different pieces of furniture.
For example, a transferring device in the bedroom (such as a floor or ceiling lift) will help you move from your bed to your wheelchair without relying on a caregiver or loved one. That can reduce the risk of injury to yourself and your helper.
Railings
Railings provide a secure fixture to hold onto when moving around your home. You may install them in a hallway, along a wall outside your property, and almost anywhere else as necessary.
Ramps
Ramps allow for safer movement to or from an interior or exterior doorway. If you use a wheelchair, you can ascend or descend in indoor and outdoor spaces more safely via a ramp than you can with a staircase. People who rely on crutches or canes will also find ramps improve their home’s accessibility significantly.
Ramps also will allow you to come and go without needing a caregiver to help you up or down even the shortest set of steps.
Porch Lifts
A porch lift enables you to reach your front or back door, or go down to street level, without the potential risk of navigating a stairway. You simply step onto the lift or roll your wheelchair into position and use the controls.
How Can You Find Funding for Home and Vehicle Accessibility Modifications?
Around 21% of working-age Canadians with disabilities are living in poverty, and many would struggle to cover the costs of home or vehicle modifications. Fortunately, funding is available (such as Ontario’s Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit) to make adding essential facilities to your property more affordable.
Various organizations and programs in Canada offer funding and support for accessibility-boosting adjustments. Here are three examples:
Easter Seals
Easter Seals services and programs are designed to help children affected by physical disabilities “focus on what they can do rather than on their limitations.” If you care for a child living with a disability, you may be eligible for funding via one of Easter Seals’ programs. The organization funds various types of accessibility equipment including:
● Wheelchairs
● Bath lifts
● Ramps
● Van lifts
Specific criteria must be met to qualify. You can learn more on the Easter Seals’ Equipment We Fund page.
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO)
SCIO offers information on funding opportunities available to Ontario residents living with disabilities. This organization can be a good place to start if you’re looking for insights into available support.
March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada provides various services to people affected by disabilities, including its Home & Vehicle Modification Program. This covers important changes, such as expanding doorways to accommodate a wheelchair.
You can apply for March of Dimes Canada’s Home & Vehicle Modification Program via the organization’s website.
Where Can You Find a Trusted Provider of Home and Vehicle Accessibility Modifications?
You’ve researched potential modifications to improve accessibility in your home and vehicle. You’ve found a funding stream that suits your requirements. What’s the next step?
Finding a reputable provider of high-quality accessibility solutions.
It’s vital that you trust your supplier to offer transparent advice on the right equipment, competitive pricing, and ongoing service to ensure effective performance.
Total Access Solutions has more than 30 years’ experience of helping people improve accessibility at home. We source the latest products from dependable manufacturers and offer the best warranties in the industry for your complete peace of mind.
Total Access Solutions can provide you with all the honest information you need when choosing stairlifts, ramps, grab bars, overhead ceiling lift systems, vehicle lifts, and other accessibility aids. We offer free in-home assessments to understand your needs and answer any questions you may have.
If you want to learn more about our portfolio of barrier-free solutions, get in touch with our friendly team today!