Creating accessible doorways is a vital step in enhancing independence and safety for individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re looking for simple, low-tech solutions or advanced smart home technologies, there are a variety of options to meet diverse needs. This post explores practical door adaptations, including everything from low-tech modifications to automatic door openers and smart locks, to make homes more secure and accessible.
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Low-Tech Door Access Adaptations
Sometimes the simplest solutions can make the biggest difference. Here are a few inexpensive and low-tech door adaptation ideas that are easy to implement:
- Adapted Keys: DIY adapted keys or pre-fabricated key turners can make gripping and turning keys easier for individuals with limited dexterity.
- Lever Handles: Replacing traditional door knobs with lever-style handles reduces the effort required to open a door. These handles can be pushed down with minimal force, making them ideal for people with arthritis or mobility challenges. Unable to install a lever handle? Try a simple door knob adapter like the Leveron Door Knob Lever.
- Push, Pull, Rotate Doorknobs: The Brinks Push Pull Rotate doorknobs and lever sets opens three ways: push it, pull it, or rotate it. This enables door opening with an elbow, hip, or wrist without need for grasp.
- Door-O-Clock: is a 3D-printed assistive door adaptation that converts difficult-to-grip round doorknobs into a lever-style handle. Designed for people with limited grip strength, arthritis, or dexterity challenges, it provides added leverage for opening, closing, locking, and unlocking doors and can be removed for temporary use or travel.
- Hands-Free Door Pulls: For those lacking grasp, hands-free door pulls allow users to open and close doors using the wrist or forearm.
- T-Pull Door Closer: Attached closer to the middle of the door, the T-pull attachment allows wheelchair, walker, or crutch users to easily pull doors closed if the door knob is out of reach.
- Door Wedges and Stops: These tools can hold doors open temporarily, making it easier to move through doorways without needing to push or pull.
Customized key made out of Polly Plastics thermoplastic sheet. Added surface area improves leverage, decreases the risk of dropping the key, and improves joint comfort.
Lever style door handle assists people with grasp limitations. Image adapted from Jummie from Getty Images.Automatic Door Openers
Automatic door openers can be priceless for people who use mobility devices or have limited upper body strength. These systems open and close doors with the press of a button or even through voice commands.
- Open Sesame Door Systems: Open Sesame door openers operate residential doors automatically and can be controlled via multiple options like wireless touch pads, switches, proximity sensors, or through third party app.
- Garage or Door Opener Remote Access: Remotes can be affixed to walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices for easier access. For people with dexterity challenges, DIY push button modifications to can be created with moldable materials, thermoplastic splinting sheets, or other materials.
- Theodoor by Doorbotics is an emerging automatic door opener designed to make existing residential swing doors easier to operate without permanent home modifications. Unlike many automatic door systems that require substantial installation, Theodoor is designed to attach to an existing door and frame, with no drilling or electrical work required. It can unlatch, open, and help close the door and can be activated using a key fob, app, button, or smart-home system.
FixIt thermoplastic strip used to build up a garage door or indoor automatic door opener
Open sesame automatic door openerSmart Locks
Smart locks offer modern solutions for secure and accessible entry. These devices are especially helpful for people who have difficulty manipulating or keeping tabs on traditional keys. They can also provide family, friends, and caregivers with alternate access.
- August Smart Lock: August smart locks use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to allow users to lock or unlock their door via a smartphone app or voice commands through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It integrates with your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your physical keys for flexibility.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Collection: Available in three models, Yale Assure Lock 2 Collection features remote access from anywhere, pair with voice assistants, connect to smart home partners, and receive real time notifications from anywhere.
- Schlage Encode: Schlage Encode offers multiple unlocking options, including a keypad, smartphone app, or voice commands via Google Assistant or Alexa. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate hub, and is managed through the Schlage Home app for convenience.
Smart lock system. Image by mikkelwilliam from Getty Images Signature.Wi-Fi Video-Enabled Doorbells
Video doorbells are an excellent addition for monitoring and communicating with visitors at your door. They are excellent for people with mobility limitations that prevent easy access to the front door when the doorbell rings.
Popular Options:
- Arlo Video Doorbell: Arlo offers wired and wireless versions with motion detection alerts, two-way audio, and a built-in siren. Requires a subscription for advanced features like cloud storage and video requiring.
- Google Nest Doorbell: Available in wired or battery options, Google Nest Doorbell provides high-quality video and night vision, integrating with Alexa and Google smart speakers. A subscription is needed for advanced options like event-based video history and facial recognition.
- Ring Video Doorbell: A budget-friendly choice with motion alerts and two-way talk. Cloud storage is available with subscription. Ring doorbells are available in wired or wireless models, including a version for doors with peepholes.
Smart internet connected doorbells that feature video feeds and can be controlled via smart phone or other devices.Accessible Door Adaptations Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking simple, low-tech solutions like adapted keys or advanced smart technologies like automatic door openers and video doorbells, there are numerous ways to improve entryway accessibility and safety at home. By choosing the right combination of adaptations, you can create an environment that supports independence and convenience for those who need it most.
