Barrier-free living with a child
Making the home barrier-free
For children, their own home is a familiar retreat - and at the same time a space for development, independence and security. This is especially true for children with disabilities. To create an environment that is tailored to the child's needs, the apartment or house may need to be individually adapted or converted. Sometimes even small changes can make everyday life easier. In this article, you will find tips on how to make your living environment safe and individually adapted for your child, as well as tips on how to finance and support the necessary measures.
Practical tips for barrier-free living, eligible measures and financial assistance
Various structural measures and aids for the bathroom, kitchen or entrance area allow more freedom of movement and independence for your child. Sometimes even small structural adaptations can help to ensure greater safety and living comfort in familiar surroundings. It is also important to remember that your child is usually still growing - so the measures should grow with them and be flexibly adaptable. We have summarized some general tips and recommendations for the sensible barrier-free design of living areas for you.
Before you start with individual conversion measures, however: Be sure to seek professional advice in advance. Housing advice centers, care support centers or specialized consultants will help you to find tailor-made solutions for your home - and often also support you with the application process.
Barrier-free living - what does that mean?
When designing a low-barrier or barrier-free living environment, it is best to go through all areas of your home to determine your individual needs. You can find some tips here:
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Entrance area
The way into the apartment should not be an obstacle:
- Is step-free access possible or is a ramp/lift required?
- Is the flooring non-slip?
- Are there handrails on both sides of the stairs?
- Is there sufficient lighting at all times of the day and night?
Additional information:- For children with visual impairments, high-contrast markings can be placed on steps and walls.
- For children with hearing impairments, light signals on doorbells or motion detectors can be helpful.
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Hallway
The passageway is an important area that needs to be considered:
- Does the corridor have a minimum width of 120 cm?
- Is there enough space for turning a wheelchair or rollator?
- Are there handrails or grab rails on both sides?
- Is the corridor sufficiently lit?
Additional information:- For children with visual impairments, guidance systems and high-contrast design provide additional orientation.
- Children with mental or intellectual impairments - for example autism - benefit from clear, structured stimuli without visual overload.
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Doors
- In order to achieve barrier-free mobility, doors should meet the following requirements:
- Is the door width at least 80 cm? For wheelchair users, at least 90 cm?
- Are the doors easy to open without effort?
- Are there door thresholds that hinder unhindered passage from one room to another?
- Can sliding or room-saving doors be installed as an option? Or are there rooms in which doors can be dispensed with completely?
- Does the door handle height need to be adjusted?
Additional information:- For children with visual impairments, doors should be designed to contrast with their surroundings and door handles should be in a contrasting color.
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Bathroom
In the bathroom, many solutions can make everyday life easier:
- Is the shower equipped with a seat and grab rails?
- Is the shower level with the floor or is the bathtub barrier-free?
- Is the washbasin height-adjustable or wheelchair-accessible at a height and depth that is easy to use?
- Are there grab rails on the toilet?
- Are the tiles non-slip or have an anti-slip coating?
Additional information:- Even, glare-free lighting is important for children with visual impairments.
- For children with autism, a low-stimulus, calm design in the bathroom can also help to avoid stress.
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Kitchen and dining area
The kitchen is an important place to live and a family meeting point:
- Is there a high chair with seat support or enough space at the table for the wheelchair?
- Is the worktop fully or partially wheelchair-accessible?
- Is the dining table wheelchair-accessible?
- Are handles and cupboards accessible and easy to open?
Additional information:- For children with hearing impairments, visual alarm systems (e.g. flashing light in case of smoke) are recommended.
- Children with autism benefit from fixed structures - e.g. by color-coding their place.
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Children's room
The children's room is the most important place: it creates a sense of security, is a place of retreat, a playground and a learning environment at the same time:
- Can toys, books and clothes be stored within easy reach?
- Is the furniture height-adjustable and can it grow with the child?
- Is the bed barrier-free, height-adjustable and, if necessary, fitted with side rails?
- Is the floor non-slip (e.g. cork or vinyl)?
- For small children: Are all sockets fitted with child safety locks?
- For older children: Are the sockets positioned at an easily accessible height?
- Are all tripping hazards such as cables or carpets out of the way?
- Is there a night light for orientation?
- Is the play area adaptable, can the play table be driven under?
- Are shelves and cupboards at a height suitable for children?
- Are there organizing systems with colors and symbols to help with orientation?
Additional information:- For children with visual impairments, organizing systems should also be tactile and toys should be easily distinguishable.
- For children with hearing impairments, visual support through pictures and symbols can be helpful.
- For children with autism, the following also applies in the nursery: a low-stimulus design, areas of retreat and clear structures promote well-being.
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Important for all rooms
- Are all tripping hazards removed?
- Is there enough space for maneuvering with a wheelchair or walking aid?
- Is the furniture fitted with rounded edges, stable and tilt-proof?
- Are the light switches at an accessible height?
Additional note:- Children with particular sensitivities may feel more comfortable if the rooms are fitted with sound-absorbing materials such as carpets and curtains, which help to minimize irritation.
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Safety and technology
Digital solutions not only make everyday life more convenient, but also safer:
- Are there emergency call or alarm switches in important places?
- Where can smart home solutions and systems help, for example in controlling light sources, doors or roller shutters?
- Are there functioning smoke detectors in all rooms?
Additional information:- For children with hearing impairments, alarms should also be signaled by light or vibration.
- For children with autism, adjustable light and sound control can help to minimize stimuli.
Financial assistance and funding for a barrier-free home
Accessible adaptations and conversions can be expensive. There is financial support for people with disabilities from various bodies and cost bearers. We present some examples here:
Tips for submitting an application
- Apply first, then convert
Many measures may only be started once the application has been approved. Retroactive funding is generally not possible. You should therefore contact the care insurance fund or other responsible bodies at an early stage. - Use the advice services
The EUTB advice centers, housing advice centers and care support points offer free on-site advice. This advice is usually even recognized for the application and documents the need professionally. Occupational therapists can assess with a professional eye which adaptations are sensible and necessary for your child and your spatial circumstances. - Assessments for aids and medical certificates must be enclosed
Ask your pediatrician or therapist to confirm in writing which barriers exist and why the measure is necessary. Terms such as "to promote independence", "to relieve the caregiver" or "to prevent consequential damage" can be helpful in the application. - Submit offers and cost estimates
Include at least one offer from a specialist company or craftsman's business with your application, sometimes several comparative offers are also required - especially for larger conversion measures. As a rule, however, you do not need to submit a cost estimate in the first step - especially if it is only a matter of checking your income.
Where can we find help and advice?
Good advice on possible conversion measures and home adaptations not only saves time and money, but also ensures that the measures really suit the needs of your child and your family.
You can obtain information and advice from local EUTB advice centers or online. You can search for an advice service in your area via the website.
On the digital map of the NRW housing advice service, you can find the funded and non-funded housing advice centers in your area.
Sanitary facilities and care advice centers, but also the housing advice centers, provide advice on aids. To clarify whether the costs of purchasing aids will be covered, it is best to contact your health insurance provider directly, or your care insurance provider for home care measures.
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