Home Remodeling

Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

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Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

Home modifications for children with disabilities are essential to ensure their safety and independence. Making the right modifications to a home can improve the lives of children that are living with a disability. These modifications can simply allow them to participate in activities they may have previously been unable to do.

Children can live with various types of disabilities that may affect their learning, communication, behavior, and physical abilities. Some of the most common disabilities among children include learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, and visual or hearing impairments. 

When designing home modifications for this purpose, it’s crucial to consider their specific needs and condition. Every child’s situation is unique, and their home modifications should reflect that. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of home modifications for children with disabilities, the benefits of making these changes, how to choose the right contractor, along with real-world examples of successful home modifications.

Types of Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

When it comes to home modifications for children with disabilities, there are three main categories:

  1. Structural Modifications: These changes involve modifying the physical structure of a home. Examples include adding ramps, widening doorways, installing handrails, creating accessible bathrooms, and adding accessible kitchen appliances and counters.
  2. Assistive Technology: Assistive technology can help children with disabilities perform tasks that they may have difficulty with. Examples include stairlifts, lift chairs, and smart home technology that can be controlled with voice commands or a mobile device.
  3. Sensory Modifications: These modifications involve adjustments to the environment to make it less overwhelming for children who have sensory processing issues. Examples include adjusting lighting levels, using calming color schemes, and soundproofing materials.

Benefits of Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

There are numerous benefits of home modifications for children with disabilities:

  1. Improved Safety and Accessibility: By making structural modifications to a home, children with disabilities can move around their homes more safely and easily. These modifications can reduce accidents and make it easier for children to access different areas of the home.
  2. Enhanced Independence and Mobility: Home modifications can also give children with disabilities more independence and mobility. By using assistive technology such as stairlifts or lift chairs, children can move between floors of their homes without assistance. Adjustments to the height of light switches can allow children to turn lights on and off independently. These modifications can make a significant difference in a child’s ability to perform daily tasks and increase their overall independence.
  3. Better Quality of Life: Home modifications can enable children to participate in activities they may have previously been unable to do, such as playing safely with siblings. This can reduce stress for both the child and their family, making it easier to manage daily routines and care tasks. Home modifications can help families to maintain a sense of normalcy and can reduce the burden of caregiving.

The home modification checklist provides a comprehensive guide to evaluate your home’s accessibility and safety needs. It’s important to recognize that every individual’s needs are unique.

Choosing the Right Contractor for Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

Choosing the right contractor for home modifications is crucial to ensure that the modifications are done correctly and safely. When selecting a contractor, it is important to consider the following criteria:

  1. Experience and Credentials: Choose a contractor with experience in home modifications for children with disabilities. Additionally, look for contractors who are licensed and insured.
  2. References and Reviews: Ask for references and read client reviews to assess the contractor’s reliability and work quality. You can also have an industry professional recommend a contractor, such as an architect or designer.
  3. Cost and Timeline: Compare quotes from multiple contractors to ensure fair pricing and reasonable completion time.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor:

Before hiring a contractor, it is important to ask the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have working with children with disabilities?
  2. What types of home modifications do you specialize in?
  3. Can you provide your license and proof of insurance?
  4. Can you provide references and reviews from previous clients?
  5. Can you provide a detailed timeline and cost estimate for the work?

Red Flags to Watch Out for:

When selecting a contractor, watch out for red flags, such as lack of experience or credentials, refusal to provide references or reviews, and unreasonable costs or timelines. Also, be wary of contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions.

Other Considerations for Choosing a Contractor

Overall, the selected contractor needs to be sensitive to the needs of the family and work closely with them to ensure that the construction project is completed safely and with minimal disruption to the child’s daily life.

Even if a contractor has experience working on a construction project in a home where a child with a disability lives, there are several things that need to be considered and discussed with the contractor: 

  • Accessibility: The contractor needs to ensure that the construction project is accessible for the child with a disability. This may involve widening doorways, installing ramps or lifts, and modifying stairs.
  • Safety: Safety is paramount when working on a construction project in a home with a child with a disability. The contractor must take steps to ensure that the child is not put at risk during the construction process.
  • Noise and dust: The construction process can be noisy and produce dust, which can be a problem for children with certain disabilities. The contractor should take steps to minimize noise and dust levels during construction.
  • Sensory sensitivities: Children with certain disabilities may have sensory sensitivities that need to be considered during construction. For example, bright lights or strong odors may be problematic. The contractor should be aware of any sensitivities and take steps to minimize their impact.
  • Communication: The contractor should communicate clearly and effectively with the family to ensure that they are aware of the construction process and any potential disruptions to their daily routine.
  • Timelines: The contractor should work with the family to establish realistic timelines for the construction project and make every effort to minimize disruptions to the family’s daily routine.

Example of Successful Home Modifications for Children with Disabilities

Real-world examples of successful home modifications for children with disabilities can provide valuable insight into the benefits of making these changes.

Home Modifications for ASD
  • Children with ASD can benefit from sensory-friendly lighting, which can reduce sensory overload and behaviors like anxiety and agitation. To achieve this, a contractor can install calming lighting fixtures like soft dimmable lights or lights with warmer hues.
  • Research has shown that sensory-friendly lighting can help reduce sensory overload and improve behavior and mood in children with ASD. For example, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that children with ASD who used sensory-friendly lighting in their homes had fewer instances of self-injurious behavior, aggression, and hyperactivity.
Assistive Technology for ASD
  • Assistive technology such as sensory integration devices, like sensory swings or rooms, provide a safe and stimulating environment for children with ASD to regulate their sensory input and improve their motor skills at home.
  • Sensory swings improve balance, coordination, and body awareness in children with ASD. Sensory rooms provide a variety of sensory experiences, including tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation, with sensory toys, lighting, and sound systems that can be adjusted for calming or stimulating effects.
  • Sensory integration devices can improve behavior and mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance attention, social interaction, and language skills in children with ASD. However, it is essential to use assistive technology alongside other therapies and support for optimal results.
Other Home Modification Ideas for ASD
  • Other home modifications for children with ASD include soundproofing rooms, creating quiet spaces for relaxation, using non-toxic and scent-free materials, and providing visual schedules for routine and structure. Modifications should be personalized to the child and their family as every child with ASD is unique.

Conclusion:

Designing home modifications for children with disabilities is crucial to ensure their safety, accessibility, and independence. By making the right modifications to a home, children can participate in activities they may have previously been unable to do, enhancing their quality of life.

There are several types of home modifications that can be made, including structural modifications, assistive technology, and sensory modifications. When designing home modifications, it is essential to consider the specific needs and condition of the child.

Home modifications for children with disabilities can have numerous benefits, including improved safety and accessibility, and better quality of life for the child and their family. Choosing the right contractor for home modifications is crucial to ensure that modifications are done correctly and safely.

By sharing real-life success stories of home modifications, families can learn about different modifications that can benefit their child and inspire them to take action.

Lori Bellport

The founder of Live in Place Designs LLC, Lori Bellport is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), a Senior Home Safety Specialist, and a Certified Senior Advisor. Lori and her team believe that, regardless of the limiting health conditions one may face, there is no need to lose contact with life, spontaneity, or the ability to self-renew and enjoy life.

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