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Transition Toolkit Now Available

Disability Rights Florida has created a new resource for students with disabilities in their teens. The toolkit, Preparing for Your Successful Transition to Adulthood, gives students with disabilities, their supporters, families, care team, and school staff the resources they need to prepare for adulthood and unlock their potential for a great future.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Assistance

Do you need assistance getting your COVID-19 or Flu vaccination? Call 800-722-8142 to learn about accessible vaccine clinics, transportation, in-home vaccinations, and resources.

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. Disability Rights Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that has authority and responsibility under nine federal grants. Our services are free and confidential.

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Disability Rights Florida offers free and confidential services to Floridians with disabilities.

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Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

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Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

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Dr. Dustin A. DeDomenico, DMD, MS was born and raised in Tampa attending the Academy of the Holy Names and Jesuit High School. Dr. Dustin received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. After a few years in the finance industry, he chose to return to school at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Dustin went on to complete a two-year advanced education program in pediatric dentistry at the University of Louisville and Kosair Children's Hospital. In addition to earning his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, he also earned a Master of Science degree in Dentistry. Dr. Dustin has extensive experience in hospital dentistry and trauma. His training at the University of Louisville included treating children and adults with special needs, hospital dentistry, patients with compromising medical conditions, sedation dentistry, early interceptive orthodontics, laser treatments, and advanced behavior management.

Beyond his professional work, Dr. Dustin enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends. He and his wife Shannon have three children, Emma, Jack and Luke. They enjoy fishing, water-sports on the lake, playing baseball, soccer, and exercising.

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Welcome | Pediatric Dentist in Tampa and Lutz- Dr. Dustin DeDomenico

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Dr. Dustin A. DeDomenico, DMD, MS was born and raised in Tampa attending the Academy of the Holy Names and Jesuit High School. Dr. Dustin received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. After a few years in the finance industry, he chose to return to school at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

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Elizabeth J. Staves, DDS, PA Pediatric Dentistry

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Service
Our service is at the core of everything we do. Our team works together to provide a warm, comfortable, and relaxing environment. From the moment you enter our practice we want you to feel like a member of the family. Please call to schedule your appointment today!

Experience
Providing great patient care is the primary goal of our doctors

Technology
Using the latest technology provides many advantages

We can't wait

to see you smile in
to have you visit
to treat you like family in
for you to tell your friends about

our practice.

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Elizabeth J. Staves, DDS, PA Pediatric Dentistry - Dental Office St Petersburg, FL

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At Staves Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a wide range of dental services for your children, with an emphasis on total preventive care. This begins with infant/toddler visits, regular check-ups and continued good home care routines. Visit our conveniently located Pediatric Dental Practice at 5310 4th Street, North, ST. Petersburg, FL

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Pediatric Dentist | Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Bradenton

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We are your trusted pediatric dentist in Tampa Bay and Bradenton! You can rest assured that your child's smile is in the best hands.

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If your child prefers to have you chairside during their exam then you are more than welcome to join us in the exam room!

Request Appointment >> We accept nearly all insurances! Call us to check for your insurance.

See the full list >> We do Braces, Clear Braces, Invisalign and all types of Retainers

Learn More >>

Because we understand that your child's smile will reflect their confidence and self-image for years to come, we offer general and restorative pediatric dentistry services, as well as orthodontic and braces services to the Trinity, New Port Richey, Odessa, Hudson, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Spring Hill, Tarpon Springs, and Holiday communities. Whether it's your child's first visit to the dentist or you're looking for a new dentist, we hope you will call us your dental home.

Our pediatric dentists are aware of the anxieties that can accompany children's dental visits. Because of this we focus our specialized skills on giving your child confidence and putting you both at ease. Additionally, our Orthodontist, Dr. Yarbrough, has been helping his patients smile with confidence for more than a decade.

What's in a Smile?

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak, as well as contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems.

Additionally, an attractive smile contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image, important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person's general attitude toward life.

The A Safari Dental Difference

Children from New Port Richey and numerous surrounding areas continue to visit A Safari Dental for bi-annual check-ups, orthodontics, and restorative procedures for a host of reasons.
A Specialty in Pediatric Care
Just like a pediatrician, a pediatric dentist offers a different level of care and expertise when it comes to the health and well-being of young children. Our New Port Richey children's dentists maintain extensive training in pediatric oral development, which enables him to more effectively treat young patients and more readily identify potential issues. The care that children receive from a pediatric dentist is simply far more customized than that of most general dentists, who see a range of patients of varying age levels each and every day.

Additionally, a pediatric dentist like Dr. Brandon understands how to connect with young patients and make them feel at ease in the dentist's office. Young children can experience fear and anxiety during their first few visits to the office when they are unsure of what to expect. Dr. Brandon's education and training, as well as his experience, allows him to quickly build rapport with young patients and put any fears or anxiety at ease. A Safari Dental's support team further specializes in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere by connecting with young patients, explaining procedures in an accessible manner, and answering any questions they may have. We also understand that sometimes a parent's presence is the best way to make a child feel completely at ease, which is why we always allow parents to join their child in our patient rooms.
A Welcoming Environment
A Safari Dental also strives to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere with an office space that's designed with our young patients in mind. Our walls are adorned with engaging murals of safari landscapes and our waiting room features a variety of games and toys for young patients to enjoy while they wait. Patients can also watch TV programming during cleanings and examinations for additional entertainment and relaxation. We strive to provide our patients with an exceptional level of comfort.

Experience the A Safari Dental difference by scheduling an appointment for your child at (727) 834-8585 today!

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Safari Dental - Pediatric Dental Specialists in New Port Richey, FL 34653

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If your child prefers to have you chairside during their exam then you are more than welcome to join us in the exam room! Request Appointment >> We accept nearly all insurances! Call us to check for your insurance.

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We strive towards making a positive difference in the lives of children and teens through providing the best in oral care. This is why we believe in making real, meaningful connections and creating a warm, caring and compassionate environment to make you and your child comfortable. Our dedicated, caring staff members also go out of their way to educate and empower patients and parents with information and guidance. We believe and our experience has shown that this approach is the key to promoting good oral health habits for a lifetime.

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We strive towards making a positive difference in the lives of children and teens through providing the best in oral care. This is why we believe in making real, meaningful connections and creating a warm, caring and compassionate environment to make you and your child comfortable.

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Where Great Habits Start & Little Smiles Thrive.
Pediatric Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens Watch Video

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentistry
Meet Dr. Maggie & Dr. Lorielle
Dr. Maggie and Dr. Lorielle are both proud moms in your area who understand that modern-day parents have less time than ever these days, but they still strive to give their children the absolute best of everything. Whether it's dentistry for infants who are just starting on their journey to optimal oral health or dentistry for teens who are preparing their smiles for adulthood, they've got what your children need to enjoy happier, healthier smiles. To make life easier for local families, they're ready to offer an elevated dental experience, one where children leave their appointments feeling refreshed and confident rather than stressed. They're also pleased to provide special needs dentistry for children with behavioral, mental, physical, and sensory needs. Thanks to their dedicated pediatric training and deep-seated passion for service, you won't believe how enjoyable it will be for both you and your child for them to get a truly stunning smile.
Meet Your Pediatric Dentists

Your Child's Pediatric Dental Visit
What to Expect
Are you looking for a pediatric dental practice close by that provides dentistry for kids and offers a personalized approach that leaves all patients feeling comfortable, excited, and eager to come back? Below are just a few of the many reasons your child will enjoy visiting our team of fun and friendly experts.

Get ready for some FUN! Follow Us @drmaggiedavis

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Pediatric Dentist Palm Harbor, FL | Dr. Maggie Davis and Associates

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Pediatric Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens Watch Video Meet Dr. Maggie & Dr. Lorielle Dr. Maggie and Dr. Lorielle are both proud moms in your area who understand that modern-day parents have less time than ever these days, but they still strive to give their children the absolute best of everything.

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Safeguarding Your On-Site Health: Our COVID-19 Precautions

Here at McIlwain Dental Specialists, your health is our primary concern. As we resume our standard operations amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure all staff and patients that we are continuing to adhere to CDC guidelines/recommendations and are following the orders of our state and local leaders.

Specifically, we are taking the following additional steps to protect our patients:

Our patients are asked to call when they arrive, and our team will instruct them when to come inside. This protocol reduces the number of patients in our reception area and allows for social distancing.

Patients are screened prior to being treated.

Hand sanitizer is provided for use when entering the office.

Our clinical team is using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Our staff has been tested for Covid-19 antibodies. We are continuing to take their temperature upon arrival to our office every day.

If you have further questions or concerns regarding our ongoing safety procedures, please contact our office.

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Safeguarding Your On-Site Health: Our COVID-19 Precautions Here at McIlwain Dental Specialists, your health is our primary concern. As we resume our standard operations amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure all staff and patients that we are continuing to adhere to CDC guidelines/recommendations and are following the orders of our state and local leaders.

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Welcome to Worman & Worman - St. Petersburg, Florida's premier pediatric dentist office. Started by local dentist Dr. Michael Worman over 40 years ago, his legacy of providing incredible dental care to children in a safe, sterile, state-of-the-art office continues today.

Working alongside his daughter Dr. Sandra Worman until recently, his unique vision for creating a caring, comforting, and cutting edge environment where children can receive unmatched dental care is as strong as ever, carried on by his talented daughter Dr. Sandra Worman who now leads the practice as a full-time pediatric dentist.

With four experienced energetic doctors dedicated to your child's dental health, you will find specialized care in all phases of dental and orthodontic treatment for infants, children, teens, and young adults, as well as kids with special needs who may require extra attention and love.

From our family to yours, we welcome you and your wonderful children to Worman & Worman Dentistry!

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Home * Worman & Worman * St. Petersburg, FL

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Welcome to Worman & Worman - St. Petersburg, Florida's premier pediatric dentist office. Started by local dentist Dr. Michael Worman over 40 years ago, his legacy of providing incredible dental care to children in a safe, sterile, state-of-the-art office continues today.

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The November FCCF Council Meeting will be Friday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 6 at the Embassy Suites Orlando Airport.
​ ​
See link for more information.

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
April 1, 2021

April is National Volunteer Month and as chair of Family Care Council Florida, I'd like to praise the work of the 15 local Family Care Councils (FCCs). These volunteers, throughout the state, provide education and empowerment for self-advocates in Florida, as well as their families. Family Care Council is the only family voice in Florida and we strive for measurable and effective change on the local level as well as statewide. We partner with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) to make sure self-advocates and their families have input in statewide policies.

We've made great progress, but there's so much more we want to accomplish. This is where we need your help. FCC members are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and parents, siblings, grandparents, and guardians of people who qualify for services from APD. Together we mentor families, meet with legislators, host educational forums, review APD policies, and much more.

I encourage you to get involved as a member and reach out to your local council. Share your story and connect with someone who is experiencing a similar journey. Take a look around our website for more information and resources.

​Dina Justice
Chair, Family Care Council Florida

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is working hard to provide the latest information related to COVID-19 and how it impacts their customers. Because things are changing very quickly, they have created a page on their website with all the current COVID-19 information at https://apd.myflorida.com/covid19/ .

New information will be marked with a "New" tag so you can quickly see what is the latest information on the webpage. There are prevention tips, self-advocate videos, procedures related to personal protective equipment, Emergency Orders, and much more.

Please visit apdcares.org often to stay up to date on what is happening related to the agency and its response to COVID-19.

Stay up to date with APD alerts! You can easily sign upate at https://apd.myflorida.com/news/.

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The November FCCF Council Meeting will be Friday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 6 at the Embassy Suites Orlando Airport. ​ ​ See link for more information. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE April 1, 2021 April is National Volunteer Month and as chair of Family Care Council Florida, I'd like to praise the work of the 15 local Family Care Councils (FCCs).

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Family Voices is a national family-led organization of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and disabilities. We connect a network of family organizations across the United States that provide support to families of CYSHCN.

We promote partnership with families at all levels of health care-individual and policy decision-making levels- in order to improve health care services and policies for children.

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Family Voices is a national grassroots network organization of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities, promoting partnership with families-including those of cultural, linguistic and geographic diversity-in order to improve healthcare services and policies for children.

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Guide to Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs

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Guide to Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs

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For many people, owning and maintaining a home is one of the most significant investments they ever make. But for individuals and veterans living with disabilities, or seniors aging in place, the fact that much of the world outside is not built to accommodate their needs magnifies the value of a comfortable home. It's vital they and their loved ones have access to the best resources about how to make their homes livable and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, without access to the right resources, creating a comfortable home can be an expensive task.

I've spent more than seven years working in the construction, home improvement, and health and safety fields, and created this resource to cover essential information for disability home remodeling. This guide will identify legal and financial resources available to citizens, seniors, and veterans, offer tips to hire the right home remodeler, and suggest modifications throughout the home to make the space as accommodating as possible.
Find Home Remodeling Services Near Me
While the details of any remodeling project depend on specific needs, the issues of cost, available assistance programs, and legal rights should be answered before you get started. Fortunately, there are many resources available nationwide specifically for people who are elderly or disabled.

The most relevant law regarding residential remodeling for disability is the Fair Housing Act. While you may have to pay remodeling expenses out of pocket, and return the property to its original condition upon leaving (if you're leasing), the law states that a housing provider can't refuse reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas, or refuse reasonable accommodations to rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for equal use of the housing.

Other important federal laws that could impact your home modifications include:

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

Title II of the American Disabilities Act of 1990

Age Discrimination Act of 1975

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

The first three laws prohibit discrimination in programs using federal or other public funding, while the Architectural Barriers Act contains accessibility requirements for buildings altered, constructed, designed, or leased with certain federal funds after September 1969. ²

If you're planning a home remodel for a person with a disability or special need, there many support programs to choose from.

The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Section 203(k) can help you buy and renovate a house, or remodel an existing home. ³ For less extensive remodeling or improvements, the FHA also has a Streamlined 203(k) Mortgage program. ⁴ Another option from the FHA is the Title 1 Home Improvement Loan program, which you can combine with a 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage. ⁵

Determining the best FHA loan for you will depend on the amount you need to finance, how much equity you have in your home, and much more. If you are unsure of which option to pursue, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country and provides an online search tool to find a local office. ⁶

Lastly, you might be able to claim a medical tax deduction for home improvements related to a disability or other medical needs. For more information, be sure to consult a financial advisor. ⁷

Beyond these broad types of financial resources, the federal government also offers many resources for more specific groups.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs which may be useful to veterans, including the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants, which have similar names but different eligibility requirements. 8, 9

Another option offered to veterans by the VA are Cash Out Refinance Home Loans. ¹⁰ These loans enable eligible homeowners to take cash out of their home's equity and use it for home improvements. ¹¹

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides an online Eldercare Locator to help connect senior citizens and their families with the right resources, including possible financial assistance. ¹² The Department of Agriculture (USDA) also offers grants to remodel the homes of low-income senior homeowners who can't secure affordable credit. ¹³

Lastly, while a more specialized remodeling need, the HHS's Office of Community Services' Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps households which need weatherproofing or energy related repairs and meet income eligibility requirements and have residents who are elderly, living with a disability, or younger than 6 years old. ¹⁴

Other Funding and Legal Resources

Depending on your location, there are many local financial and legal resources that may be useful . The best way to find out more about these services is to contact a local agency dedicated to helping people with both physical and cognitive disabilities. If you are unsure about who to contact, there are many websites to point you in the right direction, including:

Funding and Legal Resources Outside the United States

Many other nations across the globe have similar provisions to support seniors and those with cognitive and physical disabilities, and anyone else considering home remodeling with disabled needs in mind would be well served to seek help. As a first step, you can consult the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund's list of laws broken down by country. ¹⁸

Hiring an Expert

More important than having a vision for your project is hiring an expert home remodeler. They not only can get the job done well, but can work to customize your home to your needs.

When searching for a disability remodeler, you may want to find a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) with through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). ¹⁹ While there are many other viable options, finding certified experts is an easy way to filter through candidates.

Universal Design is a valuable concept for disability remodeling because it emphasizes "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." 20, 21

Whether you choose a certified professional or not, before you hire anyone make sure to thoroughly explore your options. You can review our guide to hiring home remodelers for steps to take before agreeing to any contract.

Getting Started

Now that you have considered regulations, funding, and who you want for the job, it is time to think about what specific modifications might be beneficial to you or your loved ones.

While it's beneficial to have some concrete suggestions in mind, you should first fully evaluate your needs and goals for remodeling. Assess your remodeling requirements with an extensive checklist. ²²

Your first remodeling consideration should be how people will navigate into, out of, and through your home. Your rooms can be as comfortable and accommodating as possible, but this won't matter if you or others can't easily enter, exit, and move around.

When looking at alternatives to stairs for people with mobility issues, the two primary options are ramps and lifts. In my experience, ramps are generally less expensive, more reliable, and less prone to needing repairs due to not having electronic or other moving parts. If you're concerned about costs, or only have a small rise to navigate, you may want to consider a portable ramp.

Depending on the amount of vertical rise to your entryway and the amount of space you have to work with, a ramp may not be viable. Instead, a lift may be necessary. There are many types of lifts, including inclined platform, vertical platform, and stair lifts. Many companies specializing in lifts can help you select the best option. A good way to ensure you're working with a reputable vendor is to check with your local Better Business Bureau chapter. ²³

While remodeling your entryways and exits, you should also survey your yard for ways to make it more accommodating. Leveling the ground, installing wheelchair friendly paths, and removing potential hazards so everyone can enjoy the outdoor spaces are important touches that often go forgotten.

The next parts of your home to consider are exterior and interior doorways. For starters, doorways should ideally be 36 inches wide or larger to allow for a wheelchair to comfortably maneuver through. A 32-inch wide door can also suffice as an absolute minimum if a larger door is not feasible, but it will allow little room to maneuver. Depending on the home, widening doors may require extensive remodeling. Before removing any door frame completely, consider installing either wide throw hinges or swing clear hinges, both of which can help add space to the doorway. ²⁴

Depending on the room, completely removing the door and hinges might not be a problem. In the case of bathrooms or other locations where privacy is a concern, a potential solution is to install a curtain or screen, or depending on the dimensions of the wall, a pocket door. If you go this route, consider a wall-hung pocket or sliding door, as they are easier to open than those installed in-wall.

You may also want to consider installing doors with handles and locks at lower heights, and switching out traditional door knobs for lever-handle pulls. A more expensive option is installing automatic door openers, but this may be out of your budget. You should also consider the cost and likelihood of needing future repairs if you choose to go this route.

For exterior doors in particular, look into installing a peephole or small view panel in the door at an accessible height. If you choose to install a window or view panel though, make sure that it is far enough away from the door handle to not create a potential security issue. Another alternative could be to install an intercom to enable identification of visitors.

Lastly, when it comes to doors, minimize the size of doorstops and thresholds, and for doormats, avoid anything too thick that could cause trouble for wheelchairs, and pose a potential tripping hazard for walkers with poor mobility or impaired vision.

Flooring is a less popular aspect of remodeling around a disability or special need, but is one of the most important, and should be a consideration for every room in the house. Find a material that is durable, smooth, relatively non-porous, and firm, and that is not prone to buckling or bunching. These features will provide a surface that wheelchairs can easily roll on, something that will not be likely to cause slips, trips, or falls, and a surface that is easy to clean. Ease of cleaning can be particularly important in the case of homes with service animals.

The least expensive and most durable materials are usually either vinyl or laminate flooring. Avoid ceramic and stone tile outside the kitchens and bathrooms, and if used at all, make sure it is slip resistant. Wood flooring can work as well, but is generally more expensive, and also difficult to maintain and less resistant to wear. An additional benefit of harder floorings for those with vision impairment is that they will be better able to hear noises in the home.

Another option to consider is cork flooring. Cork flooring is often very stylish looking and easy to clean, and while it is firm and level, it is more forgiving to falls than many of the other flooring types mentioned above. However, due to its soft nature, it is typically not recommended for wheelchairs due to wear issues from the amount of pressure exerted by the wheels.

Regardless of what type of flooring you choose though, it is good to explore all your options and consult an expert to discuss your particular needs. There are many online resources available if you wish to do some additional research on your own. ²⁵

At the most basic level, make sure all electrical controls are as accessible to users as possible. This may mean finding controls that do not require fine manual dexterity to operate. Be sure to consider all light switches, thermostat controls, electrical outlets, and anything plugged into the outlets.

Perhaps less obvious than the locations of switches, but still important, is the location and angle of the lighting itself. Light locations, angles and reflections that work well for some, may shine directly into the faces of others, so in cases like these, you may need to redirect lighting, or even change out fixtures. Also, for ceiling fans, consider installing longer chains or purchasing a unit with a remote.

While these are the traditional concerns of remodeling, homeowners also have many options to incorporate new technology. Smart home technology focuses on automation, controlled wirelessly by smartphones, tablets, motion sensors, or voice activation. ²⁶ Smart home tech can include Bluetooth and wifi enabled systems, such as lighting, thermometers, and door locks.

This technology can still be expensive but is rapidly becoming more and more affordable to consumers. Many of these affordable devices are stand-alone, which means instead of having to do an entire home overhaul at once, homeowners can begin with a system such as a Philips Hue wifi-enabled lighting system or a Nest Learning Thermostat. Starting out with a voice- or app-controlled hub like the Amazon Alexa or Google Home helps homeowners affordably build out their smart home without breaking the bank. ²⁷

Of all the rooms in the house, bathrooms are along the most important spaces to remodel for seniors and people with disabilities. Doing so not only affords as much privacy and independence as possible, but is also extremely important for safety reasons, particularly when entering or exiting the shower or bath, or using the toilet.

Along with the needs for door width mentioned earlier, the room in general should be open enough allow comfortable maneuvering. Depending on how your bathroom is laid out, this could require rerouting of plumbing.

Sinks

For sinks, it can be better for wheelchair users if the sink is higher than typical, and if the sink has open space underneath. This enables the ability to roll straight up to the sink rather than having to reach or stretch over.

If the existing sink has a cabinet base, it may be possible to remodel the center part of the cabinet and create the same effect without purchasing a new one. Install cabinets in-wall as much as possible to conserve floor space, and so they are not too high to reach. Similarly to doors, faucets with lever-type handles rather than knobs are easier to use, and it may even be worth investigating touch-operated faucets and other fixtures like those often seen in public restrooms.

Toilets

Toilets should also have higher than standard seat heights for more ease and less distance traveled when transferring between the toilet and a wheelchair, or sitting down and standing up. Install grab bars on both sides of the toilet of course if possible, and depending on the extent of the remodel, consider rearranging the room to where a wheelchair can comfortably fit near the toilet.

Showers and tubs

There are many different options for showers and tubs, and the best choice will be dependent on your budget and whether you are completely remodeling or making small modifications.

Substantial remodeling solutions include installing a tub with a vacuum-sealed door, enabling direct walk or roll-in entry, or an open shower that is curbless or has a minor curb. If neither of these options is feasible, you can also buy various types of specialized lifts. Simpler steps that every remodeling budget should include for bathrooms are installing a grab bar, handheld shower head, and lever-handled water valves.

Many of the principles that apply to bathrooms also apply to kitchens. Install sinks and stoves that are wheelchair friendly, cabinets at an accessible level, and valves that are lever-handled. For maximum ease of use, also make sure that:

Sinks are shallow-basined

Hose faucets

Pipes below the sink are insulated to prevent risk of scalding

It is also worth exploring ADA compliant appliances, as there are many that may need little to no other remodeling.

For cabinets, installing drawers for cleaning supplies near the sink and cooking utensils near the stove will make these areas much easier to use, and having adequate lengths of countertop is more important than depth.

Other options include motorized adjustable-height cabinets, countertops, and sinks. While these sorts of options may be out of the price range for many, if your budget allows, they are worth investigating.

Many of the basic remodeling tips already shared for accessibility and safety will certainly be of value to seniors and people with disabilities. That said, there are also some particular renovations to consider for individuals coping with cognitive disabilities such as an autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, dementia, Alzheimers, or other challenges that present significant hurdles beyond physical.

It is imperative in these situations to take into account how features stimulate all the senses and emotions. Being mindful of how things around the home feel, look, smell, sound and even taste can make a massive difference in both the lives of those with disabilities, and any loved ones caring for them.

Those providing for an individual with disabilities are often the most knowledgeable about the particular obstacles their loved one is facing, but there may also be experts available with special insight to changes you can make around the home. Because of this, your best next step after making the modifications you have already thought of is to contact a local agency that can assist you through one of the sites mentioned earlier. 14, 15, 16

Conclusion

While the challenges presented in this guide are significant, they are not insurmountable. Creating a comfortable home is achievable with time and work, and there are plentiful resources available to assist you and your loved ones in getting there.

I hope this guide offered insight into the many financial and legal resources at your dispense, and some of the major considerations for a few core rooms in every home. If there are any particular remodeling options that interest you but not mentioned, or you have recommendations you have based on situations you have personally dealt with, feel free to weigh in with a comment below.
Find Home Remodeling Services Near Me Sources

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Home Remodeling for People with Disabilities | Expertise.com

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For many people, owning and maintaining a home is one of the most significant investments they ever make. But for individuals and veterans living with disabilities, or seniors aging in place, the fact that much of the world outside is not built to accommodate their needs magnifies the value of a comfortable home.

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National Health Law Program - Attorneys | National Health Law Program

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Attorneys litigating in state & federal courts & policy advocates fighting to advance access to quality healthcare for low-income & underserved individuals.

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Monday, Nov 06, 2023
3:00 p.m.: Convene and proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of Monica M. Bertagnolli, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health.

Previous Meeting
Thursday, Nov 02, 2023
The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 4:00 p.m. 6 record votes were taken.

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3:00 p.m.: Convene and proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of Monica M. Bertagnolli, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health. Thursday, Nov 02, 2023 The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 4:00 p.m. 6 record votes were taken.

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Roll Result Title/(Question) Elected to a two-year term, each representative serves the people of a specific congressional district by introducing bills and serving on committees, among other duties. Leadership Committees Officers and Organizations Congressional Partners