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European Commission to Release Report on Progress of Information Society within the European Community in the Near Future.

Consultant Simon Breul from com.fort e.V., the 'barrier-free building and living' office, will deliver a lecture on 'Designing Living Spaces Without Barriers' at Vegesack's care center on August 21st, from 10 am to 12 pm. This informative session offers valuable advice for those aiming to...

The European Community's information society advancement will be detailed in an upcoming report by...
The European Community's information society advancement will be detailed in an upcoming report by the Commission.

European Commission to Release Report on Progress of Information Society within the European Community in the Near Future.

On August 21, from 10 am to 12 pm, Simon Breul from the advisory service for barrier-free building and living at kom.fort e.V. will deliver a lecture titled "Barrier-free design of living spaces" at the care center in Vegesack, Breite Straße 12d, 28757 Bremen.

The lecture is not an advertisement, but a valuable opportunity to gather useful information about creating accessible living spaces. Participation is free, but registration is required due to the size of the room. To register, please call 0421/6962410.

The lecture will cover practical tips for designing barrier-free living spaces, bathrooms, and houses. Here are some key points to expect:

Living Spaces:

  • Maintain clear pathways at least 36 inches wide for easy wheelchair and mobility device access.
  • Ensure proper lighting to enhance safety and ease of use.
  • Place essential items within easy reach, typically between 15 to 48 inches from the floor.
  • Design bed height between 20-23 inches with transfer space of 36 inches on the primary side and 30 inches on the secondary side.
  • Include accessible storage solutions such as lowered closet rods, pull-down systems, or storage beds with side-access.

Bathrooms:

  • Sink height should not exceed 34 inches for easy access from a wheelchair.
  • Provide a minimum knee clearance of 29 inches under the sink.
  • Allow at least 30 by 48 inches of clear space in front of the sink.
  • Use angled mirrors for seated users.
  • Design universal or accessible washrooms and showers with features like grab bars, roll-in showers without curbs, and properly placed controls.

Houses and Overall Building Design:

  • Provide barrier-free entryways with options like curbless entries or ramps.
  • Use exterior doors at least 36 inches wide for easy mobility and furniture movement.
  • Install lever-style door handles for ease of operation without tight grasping or twisting.
  • Consider smart lock systems and electric door operators for enhanced independence and security.
  • Use sliding door systems that comply with ADA requirements, offering smooth one-handed operation and appropriate widths for wheelchair access.

Staying updated on digital offers and standards in barrier-free design is crucial. Follow official accessibility standards organizations, engage with associations or communities focused on disability and accessibility, and subscribe to accessibility-related news channels for the latest information.

This lecture aims to provide helpful tips for those who wish to live in their familiar apartment for as long as possible. So, mark your calendars and join Simon Breul for an enlightening session on barrier-free design. Registration can be done by calling 0421/6962410.

[1] Source: Accessible Home Design [2] Source: Accessibility Standards Canada [3] Source: ADA Standards for Accessible Design [4] Source: National Institute of Building Sciences [5] Source: CAN-ASC-2.3 model standard under the Accessible Canada Act

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