New Issue

Building an Accessible Home to Fit Your Life

This year’s Consumer Guide is all about creating an accessible home. For our cover story, Seth McBride talks with five fellow wheelchair users, all with different budgets and levels of function, about how they built their own accessible dream homes. And even if you don’t have the budget or the energy for building a new house, they offer plenty of tips and tricks for making any space accessible.

News

‘Right to Repair’ Aims to Empower Colorado Power Wheelchair Users

Every wheelchair user knows how long it can take to get the simplest of repairs done. A new law in Colorado seeks to expand access to power wheelchair service by mandating unrestricted access to parts, software and repair manuals. “The ultimate success is when we see the time for repairs go down,” says David Ortiz, the first wheelchair user to serve in Colorado’s state legislature and one of the primary sponsors of the bill.

Products

Microsoft Releases New Adaptive Computer Accessories

Microsoft has released a line of versatile and customizable peripherals designed to make it easier for anyone with hand or arm weakness to use Windows PCs. The Adaptive Accessories line features a mouse, buttons and hub, which can be used to connect multiple assistive devices and create a custom control center. Microsoft has partnered with Shapeways to offer a variety of 3D-printed mouse tails and button toppers for further customization.  

Pro Tips

Bathroom Products and Hacks

An accessible bathroom must have functionality at its core, but it can look great too. We share attractive products and hacks, such as an easy-access bathtub and a hand-held shower head next to your toilet that can make your bathroom routine easier. 

Three Wheelchair-Using Realtors Share Ways to Find an Accessible Home

Finding a 100% wheelchair accessible home is tough, so some wheelchair-using realtors say it’s better to assess potential over perfection.“The biggest thing is not getting hung up on trying to find the perfect house,” says Kip Johnson. “You need to be able to look at a house that is structurally sound and see if you can turn it into what you want.”