VisitAble Housing Project
Project Overview
“VisitAble Housing” or “VisitAbility” is the concept of designing and building homes with basic accessibility. VisitAble homes provide easy access on the main level for everyone. VisitAble housing offers a convenient home for residents and a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and mobility.
Three Basic Features
No Step Entrance
At minimum, there must be one accessible, no-step entrance at the front, back or side of the house.
Clear Passageways
All doorways and halls must be wider so there is clear passage throughout the main floor.
Accessible Bathroom
The bathroom or powder room on the main floor must be accessible by visitors who use mobility devices.
Information for Home Buyers, Housing Professionals and Policy Makers
Home Buyers
Buying a home is a major expense, and homeowners want to make sure they’re getting good value with a well-designed home that offers style as well as practical benefits.
Housing Professionals
Housing professionals may have questions as they first start to build or sell VisitAble housing. After the initial learning curve, most professionals find working with VisitAble houses becomes another normal part of their business.
Policy Makers
Since the movement towards VisitAble houses first started in the U.S. in the 1980s, municipalities across Canada and the U.S. have taken different approaches to encourage or require VisitAble houses in their areas.
Funding for this project provided by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program.