Making a Home Accessible
What Does Accessibility Mean?
With 15 established homes in Santa Clara County, LSA prides itself on providing exceptional and accessible living for I/DD individuals. Accessibility in a home relates to a plethora of categories, including physical and mental attributes, interior design choices, infrastructure, and much more. Even if minute details may seem inconsequential, each and every little detail makes up a welcoming and safe home for residents. For example, even small details like implementing color theory in interior design choices. In addition, making design choices that encourage social interaction and upgrading infrastructure such as opening up spaces and increasing the amount of natural light are necessary.
Opening an LSA Home
LSA creates homes that are not only physically exceptional and accessible, but homes that are focused on encouraging residents’ personal growth, building community, and having an enriching and enjoyable life. From physical alterations and upgrades such as renovations like opening up the space, upgrading existing infrastructure, wheelchair accessibility, and more to non-physical attributes related to creating a welcoming environment, LSA homes are crafted with precise care and love.
The first step in creating an LSA home is securing the property of a home large enough to house 4-6 individuals. Many factors including the neighborhood setting come into play. LSA carefully selects homes to provide a home in a safe, welcoming neighborhood, focusing on creating community while also maintaining the privacy its residents need to thrive.
Once a home is purchased, LSA focuses its attention on renovations. Renovations are key in making a home accessible and comfortable for residents. Renovations often include opportunities for opening up living spaces, upgrading existing infrastructure, inviting green space, and more to ensure residents can move around freely and feel at ease in their homes.
After renovations are successfully implemented, LSA ensures proper and excess amenities are provided to allow residents to live in comfort and flourish independently. When designing a home for I/DD individuals, focusing on implementing destressing elements such as muted and soft colors, greenery, natural light, and more, are important. Some amenities include cozy beds, furnishings, wall decor, technology, lighting, and more to create a welcoming atmosphere. In addition, each room is curated to each resident’s liking. Individual rooms are crafted to allow each resident to personalize their rooms and make their space their own.
Staffing the Home
Curating homes that provide warm and family-oriented environments comes down to our devoted and extraordinary staff. LSA devotes endless hours in the recruitment and hiring process for screening, hiring, and training care providers in each home that are with residents 24/7. LSA hires specialists such as dieticians, recreational therapists, and other professionals to help residents develop positive social skills and promote healthy lifestyles. In addition, residents participate in a variety of engaging activities to focus on skills in the areas of health, art, music, cooking, and more. LSA strives to provide LSA residents and their families with the absolute best care.
To hear more from LSA’s Executive Director Dana Hooper about opening a home for I/DD individuals, join us on Saturday, October 15 at the 2022 Bay Area Adult Autism/DD Conference.
Resources:
Do You Like These Blogs & Updates?
- Sign up for our e-newsletter!
- Follow us on social media