General Home Safety

A step ladder with an extended podium-style handle for safety.
Trowel finish has better traction that most other concrete surface finishes
Low grade slopes makes it easier for someone in a wheelchair to get in
Low grade slopes makes it easier for someone in a wheelchair to get in
Doors into the house from the garage and to the side of the garage have no thresholds because of drop-down door seals
There are no steps leading from the garage into the front door that has a very shallow threshold
Feature What It Does Partner Link
More appropriate step ladders Step ladders have an extended podium handle to better allow reaching higher items in cabinets, while being able to hold onto the handle, which is located about waist level, from a possible fall.
Concrete surface texture Driveway, sidewalks, front porch, and rear patio have a swirled trowel finish that gives more traction than typical broom finishes, making it a bit safer to walk on when there is snow or ice. Also, the very low slope of the sidewalks and driveways make a difference for safety.
Front and side pathways to the house have low grades The maximum grade for a wheelchair to get to the front door is 3.8%, or 1 unit of rise for every 25 units of run (1:25), which is shallower than what the Americans With Disability Act call for, 1 unit of rise for every 12 units or run, or 8.3%. This makes it easy for everyone to get into the Idea Home.
Entry from garage into the home and from the garage to the side area These areas do not have thresholds. Instead they have drop-down door seals that automatically get pushed own when the door closes, and is pulled up when the door is opened.

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