If you or someone you know uses a mobility device, you know that finding accessible housing is extremely difficult. Even more difficult is finding an apartment or condo to rent. I experienced this a few weeks ago. I went to see a condo that was advertised as accessible but it was not.
On the housing side, once you decide what area you want to live in there are real estate agents such as Jeffrey Kerr of Remax that will help you find what will hopefully be your forever home.
In regards to apartments or condos, you will have to do way more research. Accessible units for rent in Toronto are VERY hard to find. If that isn’t frustrating enough, units that are advertised as “wheelchair accessible” aren’t 100% barrier free. Some places such as Tobias House are far better equipped to other places but still aren’t completely accessible. The doors might not be wide enough, the counters and cupboards could be too high and the list can go on. Unfortunately if it is a condo you are looking for, your best bet is pre-construction condos where you can instruct the developer on what your requirements are BEFORE the condo is even built.
For those of you that uses a mobility device such as wheelchair or scooter, the items you need to be aware of as you seek out housing are:
- Doorways – Need to be wide enough so a wheelchair can fit through, automatic doors are extremely useful.
- Counters – Need be lower to improve someone’s reach but also allow enough clearance underneath for a wheelchair.
- Cupboards – Lower cupboards or Rev-a-shelf are a must so someone in a wheelchair can reach to put things in.
- Oven and Stovetop – To allow people to actually cook for themselves.
- Microwave – Everyone needs to heat things and should be able to do so independently.
- Closets – Clothes need to be stored neatly so if the closets are lower the individual can do that themselves.
- Hard Floors (No Carpets) – This makes it easier for wheelchairs to roll around.
- Roll-in Shower – People should be able to shower when they want to without help getting in.
- Toilet and Grab Bars- Need to be of adequate height and position for transfers to and from a wheelchair.
- Dresser – So people can put things away themselves.
- Bed – If the person is able to, they should be able to get in bed themselves.
- Lowered Door Viewer – For added security a door viewer allows a wheelchair user to clearly see who is outside the door from 1 meter away.
- Lowered switches and outlets
- Level threshold onto balcony
If all these things are accessible to a wheelchair user, it allows the person to live independently and maintain a sense of dignity.
Hi I am a real estate broker that has a beautiful house listed in the Toronto area that has a fully accessible apartment in the lower level with full walk out – large above grade windows with full view of the beautiful garden, hot tub cabana and large patio. Also a lift to the main floor. Ideal for older family members or family members who want independence but still have regular access to their family.The main floor of the home is 3200 sq feet with four bedroom and 3 bathrooms and is located on a quiet crescent on a premium pie shaped walk out lot. I would love to provide more details for you to post on your Facebook page and website. My Sellers enjoyed many years of ease with their handicapped mom. Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. My best Heidi Kreiner-Ley Broker of Record. J Kreiner Real Estate Limited 905-883-5551
Hi Heidi,
Is this house listed for sale or could it be rented?
I am looking for an accessible apartment or house in Toronot
I’m looking for a wheelchair access apartment for rent for my friend for last few weeks, but I couldn’t’ find anywhere. No-one is not even responding my messages. Its really frustrating. If you have any apartment available for handicap person please get back to me. thanks Ruth
Hi, Ruth may be worth reaching out to the real estate agent Jeffrey Kerr, as he specializes in accessible homes, apartments and condos. http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/
I need accessable home
I am looking for wheelchair accessible apartment or house to rent for my son
Please call me (416)520-7718
Hi, Laki may be worth reaching out to the real estate agent Jeffrey Kerr, as he specializes in accessible homes, apartments and condos. http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/
I am looking for an apartment for a friend in a wheelchair to rent. The apartment itself doesn’t necessarily need to be accessible as long as he can get in and out. He won’t be cooking or anything. Thank you
Melanie
Hi, Melanie may be worth reaching out to the real estate agent Jeffrey Kerr, as he specializes in accessible homes, apartments and condos. http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/
Interested in the prices for a 1 bedroom apartment for a wheelchair dependent person
Hi, Hazel may be worth reaching out to the real estate agent Jeffrey Kerr, as he specializes in accessible homes, apartments and condos. http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/
I am looking a house or apartment for a Rent wheelchair accessible
Are there any funding programs to transform apartment entrances into accessible entrances?
Hi I am looking for a fully wheelchair accessible apartment for my mom. I have been looking for several weeks now. Please if anyone can help me let me know of any listings. Thanks