December 2, 2024
Six Ways to Make Your Home Accessible and Inclusive for Young People with Disabilities
In the United States, more than 25 percent of adults and more than 4 percent of children have been diagnosed with a disability. Disabilities can affect a person’s mobility, one or more of their senses, or their neurological development, so making spaces accessible can also take multiple forms. Accessible spaces are safe and usable for all. The more accessible you make your home, the more included and welcome guests will feel. These evidence-based recommendations are a good place to start.
1. Talk about disability inclusion as a family
Your family’s attitudes about disability inclusion and accessibility make a big difference in how welcome people feel in your home. Disability and neurodiversity show up differently in each person’s life. Take the time to learn about disabilities and neurodiversity from knowledgeable sources, because disability is part of every community. It’s OK to say, “I’m not familiar with this and need to learn,” whether you’re a kid or an adult! Read these recommendations from NYC Public Schools to help you start conversations about disability inclusion with your child.
2. Foster an attitude of respectful curiosity
Be respectful of your friends’ boundaries. Some people may be comfortable talking about their disability, and others might not—or they may not have a clinical diagnosis. In any case, don’t make assumptions about what they can or cannot do. Some assumptions could be true, but they can also get in the way of understanding. For example, a friend might have changes in mobility from day to day, or their disability might not be obvious to others. Be open to learn what they want to share. If you aren’t sure what someone is comfortable with, just ask! Check out these tips from Disability Belongs on interacting respectfully.
3. Check your home’s “visitability”
If you’re expecting a guest who experiences sensory loss (like impaired hearing or vision) or who will be using mobility aids in your home, assess the space’s physical accessibility. Some permanent improvements can involve building ramps and safety rails, installing grab bars, widening doorways and hallways, and moving light switches and faucets to be reachable. You can also make quicker adjustments to improve what accessibility experts call “visitability.” Like accessibility, when your home is visitable, people with and without disability can safely and comfortably visit your home.
Review this checklist before your guests arrive:
- Clear walkways of trip hazards.
- Arrange furniture to make room for mobility aids like wheelchairs, rollators, and canes.
- Store breakable objects where they are unlikely to be disturbed.
- Place essentials – like hand towels, snacks, and beverages – where guests can reach them.
- Purchase adapted tools and utensils for cooking and eating meals together.
- Change any flickering lightbulbs, replace batteries in smoke detectors that are “chirping,” and reduce other sources of background noise (like fans).
- Be aware of allergens and check with guests about safe exposure ahead of their visit.
- If you have a no-shoes-indoors home, let visitors know ahead of time, and have a bench for removing shoes, non-slip shoe covers, or a path for wheelchair users. No-shoe policies can be culturally and medically important, so find a solution that works for everyone.
Learn more about visitability from the National Center for Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD).
4. Communicate with other parents and caregivers
Before a visit, reach out to your guest (or the parent or caregiver of a young child) to describe the visitability of your home and ask if they have specific concerns about the visit. Your curiosity invites them to talk about any relevant disabilities, health concerns, or neurodivergence and how you can make accommodations. This also allows the guest to plan for any mobility and sensory aids they will need. Reference this disability language guide to help you communicate with understanding.
5. Help guests anticipate their sensory experience
Predictability can be especially important for people who are sensitive to change and over-stimulation. So, plan surprises or alarming sensory changes (i.e., loud noises, fireworks, major life announcements, etc.) in ways that your guests can process them as safely as possible. Things happen that are outside our control. Visitors may react in surprising ways, too, so check in with your child and their friends throughout their visit. When you open lines of communication, you’ll be able to navigate surprises together. View these short videos to learn more about sensory preferences.
6. Plan adaptable, inclusive activities
As you get ready to host, consider ways that games and activities can be adapted for each person to enjoy safely. Adapted movement ensures young people with and without disabilities can play together and experience the benefits of being active. Play this video to learn more about adapted movement and ways your family can advocate for inclusive activities.
Thank you for making your home more accessible and inclusive!
Explore these resources to learn more about disability inclusion and accessibility: