Wednesday, 11th of November 2009 at 09:48:15 AMThe first house I purchased in Phoenix was from a couple where the wife had a below the knee amputation. I had met with them several times during the transaction and the discussion of the work that they did to make the house more accessable was surprising to me (in time, cost and effort). They were hoping that the buyer would be able to use those accessibility efforts, but they were happy that I was the buyer.
Fast forward a “couple” of years when I’m the chairman of the ARMLS Committee and I receive a call from an agent wanting to add Accessibility Features to the database. I have a flashback of this couple of their desire to sell to someone that needs accessibility features in a home. The agent was Michael W. O’Donnell and he was motivated to make this happen.
We (ARMLS Committee and ARMLS Staff) worked the Michael to help him achieve his goal and helped him build a task force of other agents equally motivated and knowledgable on the topic. While it is a long and challenging process to make such changes to ARMLS, Michael was very patient and willing to do what was necessary.
Their recommendations were well received at the Committee level and from the Board of Directors. Nearly 5 months later, ARMLS has announced the roll out of Accessibility Features and from what I’ve learned, we’re one of the first in the country to have this detail in our database. I wish to extend a congratulations and job well done to Michael and the Task Force.
The new Accessibility Features field has the following selections to choose from:
- Zero-Grade Entry
- Door/Access 3′+ Wide
- Hallways 36in+ Wide
- Hard/Low Nap Floors
- Bath Roll-In Shower
- Bath Raised Toilet
- Bath Grab Bars
- Bath Roll-Under Sink
- Bath Lever Faucets
- Ktch Apps Low/Secure
- Ktch Low Counters
- Ktch Roll-Under Sink
- Ktch Modified Range
- Ktch Low Cabinetry
- Lever Handles
- Tactile/Visual Mrkrs
- Closet Bars 15-48in
- Ramps
- Stair Lifts
- Remote Devices
- Exterior Curb Cuts
Definitions
- Zero-Grade Entry: entrance to home does not have a step, sill or elevation change greater than 1/2 inch Door/Access 3′+ Wide: minimum 32” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame)
- Hallways 36in+ Wide: minimum 36” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame)
- Hard/Low Nap Floors: hard surfaces such as woods, linoleum, tile, stone, with minimal carpeting, beveled transitions, no sills, ledges, or sunken rooms or showers
- Bath Roll-In Shower: shower floor at the same level as the bathroom floor, with no ledge, sill, or runner
- Bath Raised Toilet: toilet or commode that is either 17” or 19” from the floor to facilitate transfer, and/or is adjustable up to 30” to accommodate various height requirements
- Bath Grab Bars: steel or aluminum bars at/in shower and toilet areas to steady or brace user for support or balance
- Bath Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width
- Bath Lever Faucets: lever-style handles replacing ball or knob style for ease of use
- Ktch Apps Low/Secure: microwave and oven installed so that they are approximately 31” from the floor, and have side-hinge doors
- Ktch Low Counters: work surface no lower than 28” and no higher than 34”, and no more than 24” in depth
- Ktch Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width
- Ktch Modified Range: burners are single row or staggered to eliminate reach-across
- Ktch Low Cabinetry: cabinets installed lower to permit opening and access at or near 34” and not exceeding 48” from the floor
- Lever Handles: single bar type lever on doors, spigots, appliances absence of knobs and circular pulls on cabinetry; loop handles shaped like the letter D, permitting hand to insert into handle
- Tactile/Visual Mrkrs: multi-sensory identifications, with light, sound, or touch markers to communicate status of appliances, thermostats, alarms, doorbells, etc.
- Closet Bars 15-48in: installed to allow seated access; installed at heights of 15” to 48” above floor level
- Ramps: secured, non-slip ramps to allow navigation of elevation changes with grade no greater than 1:20 or 5%
- Stair Lifts: mechanical, motor driven assists to permit wheelchair occupant access to multi-floor homes
- Remote Devices: remote controls for lights, fans, appliances (kitchen and other), thermostats, alarms, and automated door touch pads.
- Exterior Curb Cuts: external to home – neighborhood has ramped sidewalk areas at crosswalks and intersections to permit wheelchair users to cross streets, access mailboxes, etc.
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