From style to safety — an overview of grab bars and how to find the best fit for your home.
032: Grab Bars
- Post author By Rebecca Langbein
- Post date October 26, 2020
- No Comments on 032: Grab Bars
- Tags Accessibility, Safety, Universal Design
Archives: Podcast
An interview with Dr. Katie Hansen, OT, about considering sensory needs in design.
An interview with Danise Levine, Assistant Director of the IDEA Center at the University of Buffalo.
Tips for designing and setting up a home entrance that is functional, safe, and germ-free!
An overview of alarms and alert systems for the Deaf and hard of hearing that can actually keep us all safe!
A discussion about the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. How far have we come? Where can we go next to make spaces equitably accessible?
Rebecca Langbein joins in on the conversation to discuss unique design tips that benefit those with memory loss, yet are helpful for all.
Learn why little details make a big difference in the design and layout of a bedroom.
If communities can change how things are done with this virus, we can transform the approach to home design for families with and without disabilities.
Our design advisors shared their feedback on a sink that is height adjustable and swings to different locations. Yet, is it universal?
“Your home should be the great equalizer – where your disability doesn’t matter.”
We discuss some uniquely universal ways to cut down on clutter plus keep things organized and accessible.
Our design advisors weigh in on a kitchen design. Is it a good fit or a poor fit?
Experiential education! Deeper understanding is gained when people can practice tasks then apply lessons learned to their life.
“It was not until I actually gained more access in and out of the house that my health truly got better. My mental health went up and I felt more worth than I had felt before.” -James
Kati reflects on her experience as an occupational therapy student and discusses how she promoted our organization and her future profession.
Experiences as occupational therapists collaborating with building and design professionals.
Even though these tubs are a current design trend, we polled our Design Advisors and they all agree this product’s design isn’t safe for most people.
Collaboration between an occupational therapist and a lighting designer will result in exterior lighting that’s a good fit for everyone.
Kati, an occupational therapy student, shares a story about how her client was able to look and feel her best for a special event because her bathroom was universally designed.
Our thoughts: Social distancing is now mandatory in the US due to COVID-19, but some people with disabilities experience social isolation every day.
We discuss how the internet isn’t always accurate in the description of universal design, and what our Design Advisors thought of this ramp/stair design.
A backyard party at someone’s home turns from excitement to heartbreak when you have to question if you can attend the due to inaccessibility.
Sarah discusses how her friend increased the functionality of her garden by using raised garden beds and how an outdoor space improves mental health.
We discuss 3 themes from a peer-reviewed article: form versus function, the earlier the better, and universal design as a specialist area.
Of course they do. We’re talking about universal design! Listen to Julie & Jackson’s story. You’ll learn about what they have to do just to visit family or friends.
Kati recounts a story about a patient who broke a hip and had struggles with a common yet meaningful task.
Sarah shares a story & some thoughts about the functionality of parking areas. It’s the little things that make a big difference for universal design!
Sarah and Kati talk about various universal design features to increase function for those living with invisible disabilities.
Sarah talks with Kati about discharge scenarios and what home modifications looked like for their patients.