It may be that you already know where you have usability problems in your home but aren’t sure what solutions are out there. Below are some resources and examples that let you explore what your options are and what others have done to address problems in their own homes.
If you know what you need but are unsure about how to make the change in your home visit Making Home Usability Changes.
Home Usability Solutions: Examples and Resources
So far, nearly 200 people have benefited from working with their Center for Independent Living on the Home Usability Project. Check out some of the projects they have worked on throughout their homes.
Some home usability issues can be addressed using smart home technology. Check out these resources for more information on all the possibilities!
- Some Apple product specific resources
- A large communication device and technology repository
- Smart Home devices
- Using Amazon's Alexa
All states should have an Assistive Technology (AT) Center that can help with identifying what might work best for you. Use the resource below to identify your AT Center or learn more about Assistive Technology and how it may help you.
- Find your state's Assistive Technology Center
- Learn more about Assistive Technology
- The Christopher Reeve Foundation has a wide range of resources (including videos) that highlight how people with paralysis have successfully modified their homes and navigate the community.
- Explore these videos on YouTube created by people with disabilities that illustrate the simple solutions they have identified to help them throughout their days.
- Home usability equipment reviews
- Simple, DYI solutions for a variety of functional needs
- Kitchen Usability
- Adaptive equipment demonstrations
Professional Resources
- If you aren’t already working with a Center for Independent Living now is a great time to do so! An independent living specialist at the CIL in your community can help connect you with other resources to support your home usability needs.
- State Assistive Technology programs also have specialist that can help you identify what types of equipment you may need and can often help you purchase or rent what you need.
- Occupational and Physical therapists: Occupational and Physical therapists (OT/PTs) spend a lot of time working with people within their homes. Their insight could be valuable for providing options for solving home usability problems. Check with your insurance or talk to your doctor to see if you are covered for a home assessment.
- Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) can help! A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist understands the unique needs of the older adult population and is knowledgeable about, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects and solutions to common barriers