Roger Williams, LMSW, CTDirector, Services to the Deaf

and Hard of HearingSC Dept of Mental Health

(803) 898-8301rcw53@scdmh.org

Home Modification:

individuals with hearing and/or vision

loss

TopicsEntrance/ExitCirculationBathroomKitchen/EatingCommunicationAlertingLabeling/

Organization

TelephoneAuditory

EnhancementVisual

EnvironmentAppliances and

electronics

Entrance/ExitTwo Emergency

Routes Door Sill/ThresholdClear Pathway

Door thresholds

CirculationCirculation

Maintain Travel PathwaysLook High and LowAvoid Moving FurnitureChose Furniture with a

Consistent FootprintChair Rails/Textured

Wallpaper

RoomsAvoid RugsLevel Floor TransitionsContrasting Color Transitions

CirculationStairways and Steps

Continuous Hand Rail Contrasting Color Both Sides of Stairwell

Mark Top and Bottom Steps

No Carpet or Loose EdgesTextured Tape at the Top

HallEdge Protectors

CirculationLighting

Adequate AmountNon GlareSwitch LocationRocker SwitchTouch Lamps

Keep clutter to a minimum, especially on stairs

Visual CommunicationBe Conscious of Visual Flow

No Closed doors between “Public” RoomsUse Half-Walls or Wide Doorways

Bathrooms & Bedrooms Require Door Locks

Even Lighting throughout the HouseAvoid GlareBlinds as Opposed to Curtains

Doors with View Panels Remote Viewers & Windows

BathingContrasting ColorsSoap-on-a-ropeWall-Mounted

DispensersRails

Kitchen/EatingiPhone/Android AppHigh Contrast

Plates, Pots, Pans, Handles

Placemats, Cutting Boards

Hi-Mark ControlsContrasting Linens

AlertingDoorbellTelephoneSmoke DetectorCO DetectorSound AlertsWake up alarmsVisual/Tactile

Labeling/OrganizingBraille labelersUPC and QR CodesLocators

TelephoneTTY/TDDVideophoneVoice DialingVolume BoostSpeech Correction

Full Keyboard Mobile Phones

HolderOne Button Dial

Auditory EnhancementTelevision

Listening Systems

Personal Amplifiers

Amplified Ringers

Appliance/ElectronicTV/VCR/DVD

Smaller/Larger Remote

X10 UnitsRemoteReceiverModules