Individuals living with disabilities have an additional challenge to face their everyday life. Many must utilize wheel chairs and other devices in order to get around each day. This is important to remember as most individuals are not forced to think about the common tasks that become extremely difficult for others who are limited by physical conditions. Wheelchair accessible outdoor furniture has unique qualities that make it ideal for these special applications.
Inclusive Furniture
The same holds true with outdoor furniture and we’d like to spotlight a company that has been doing an extraordinary job filling this void. Inclusive Furniture specializes in crafting home furnishings that are accessible and functional for the elderly, wheel-chair users, and others with physical impairments. Founded by Dr. Erik Cox, his team began by designing a simple picnic bench with a gap that allowed a wheelchair to settle in between the table. Their goal, like the company name, is to create outdoor furniture that is inclusive to all persons regardless of their physical condition!
Federal Laws Regarding Wheelchair Accessibility
“The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.”
–United States Department of Labor
This law was established to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals. Wheelchair accessible features can be applied to areas including but not limited to buses, trains, planes, sidewalks, business establishments, restrooms, public venues, and more. Enacted in 1990, the ADA has taken huge strides to improve the quality of life for many disabled individuals but what about accessibility around the house?
Wheelchair Friendly Patio Furniture
Crafting unique wheelchair accessible outdoor furniture that is accomplished by creating universal designs that are functional for every individual. This can include special areas that allow wheelchairs to be used in place of seating, ramps, and by removing dimensions that can be limiting. Making your backyard inviting for everyone is a social responsibility and outdoor furniture can be fully-accessible without losing its aesthetic appeal!
Give Back with The Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
We encourage any of our readers who would like to contribute to these on-going efforts to visit our friends at Disabled American Veterans or DAV for short. DAV is a 1.2 Million Member non-profit organization that strives to reshape the lives of disabled men and women who served in the armed forces. Learn more about what you can do to help by clicking here!
Cheryl is an award-winning landscape design consultant in San Diego, CA. She has over a decade of experience in the design world, working on both interior and exterior projects. She received her certification in design in 2010 and has contributed to the design of 7 separate furniture collections. Cheryl began lending her expertise to Patio Productions’ blog in 2012. When she’s not living in the furniture and design world, she’s busy playing with her dogs at home, or curling up with a cup of black coffee and a beautiful book on modern design. Her favorite patio furniture are her Acapulco Chairs in lightning blue.
