Visitability

Last summer I was going to have a birthday party at my house for my 1 year-old. I was so excited that I started all these lists to make sure everything was in order. I had a list of people to invite, a list of food to buy and prepare and a list of stuff I needed to do to get my house ready for my guest. I cleaned my living room, kitchen, bathroom and my son’s room. The day before the party my mom and I discussed anything we hadn’t planned for. Well, it was July so we needed to plan on people wanting to spend time in the air conditioner. Okay, make sure there are extra chairs set up inside too. That’s when it hit me! “My house is not accessible for everyone! My great grandma uses a walker and my good friend uses a wheel chair. I have three steps on my porch… how are they going to get in?” Not only that, my doorways are narrow and my bathroom is so small I basically have to stand in the shower to brush my teeth! How embarrassing! I sent my friend a text message that bluntly stated she wasn’t going to be able to use the bathroom at my house she’d have to use the one at the gas station a block away. My grandma was going to have to leave her walker for about 5 steps in order to use the restroom. True stories just like this one are why everyone needs to push for VISITABILITY! Visitability means that all houses built need to have a zero (0) step entrance, 32 inch doorways or larger and bathrooms that are large enough to fit a wheel chair. This is pretty simple and makes perfect sense to me. We know that even if you are in the best shape of your life, you may need to use a wheel chair, crutches, or another piece of durable medical equipment some time. Do you want more information or to help with the push? http://visitability.org