The AODA does not yet include standards governing the housing sector. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends new standards in various sectors, and suggests guidelines for future housing standards. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessible housing. Future AODA housing standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make people’s homes more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal housing standards for accessible bedrooms.
Accessible Bedrooms
All residents should be able to enter and move through their bedrooms with ease. Therefore, the standards recommend that every bedroom in a dwelling should be accessible. As a result, someone who needs an accessible room can choose their room. In addition, more than one (1) person in a dwelling may need an accessible room. Finally, people who do not need accessible bedrooms when they move in may later develop needs for accessible rooms.
Accessible bedrooms should be spacious so that people using assistive devices can move around and reach all furniture. For example, people should have accessible paths of travel to their beds on three (3) sides. Likewise, people should be able to reach:
- Dressers
- Closets
- Cabinets
- Windows
In addition, the standards list measurements for:
- Bed height
- Knee and toe clearance for tables
- Placement of light switches and electrical outlets
- Window height
While bedrooms can have skylights or other high windows, some windows should be low enough for people using assistive devices to reach. Moreover, requirements for accessible home controls should apply to bedroom windows and electrical outlets.
The standards recommend one (1) light switch and fan placed near the bed. In addition, two (2) bedroom walls should each contain two (2) outlets. The standards list measurements for distances between outlets, and distances from outlets to corners. Some outlets should be near the bed, so that people can use them to plug in computers or other devices, if needed. Similarly, some people may use outlets for beds that are electrically adjustable. Likewise, some people may use lifts plugged into an outlet on the floor or ceiling.
Bedrooms should also have good lighting, and colour contrast between the floor and walls.