Handicap/Wheelchair Accessible Properties

Handicap / Wheelchair Accessible Property listings  Find out which properties and homes  for sale in the Phoenix area have wheelchair / handicap access, physically challenged disability accessible. The attached listings cover the Phoenix valley including Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Sun City, Glendale, Peoria, Casa Grande, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, Cave Creek, Goodyear, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Florence, Maricopa and more.     New Flex MLS link

Sign in and be automatically notified of handicap/wheelchair, physically challenged,  accessible homes for sale in the Phoenix Arizona area.  Let me know what you're looking for and I can customize a multiple listing service (MLS)  search for you including accessible single family homes, condo's, townhouses, etc.

Current Trends and Direction for Accessible Homes

"Visitability" is a term that promotes three design criteria for single-family or owner occupied homes: 1.) a zero-step entrance, 2.) doors with 32 inches of clear passage space, and 3.) one bathroom on the main floor with wheelchair access.  Another definition would be the amount of ease with which a person that is disabled, uses a wheelchair or walker can negotiate a home.

"Universal Design" is concept where homes are designed today to meet the needs of tomorrow, with a vision of creating a barrier free "lifetime home". By adopting certain guidelines, universal design  promotes independent living that  allows the home to remain functional as the occupants/owners grow older and experience the disabilities that come with aging.  See the Arizona Republic article on Universal Design

 An important feature in any home incorporating universal design is the master bathroom and shower.  In this picture the bathroom shower has no edge and therefore allows a chair to be rolled into the shower.  The shower uses a roman drain.

Instead of having a cabinet below the kitchen sink that is flush with the rest of the cabinets, this design has a recessed front that allows greater access for someone disabled or in a wheelchair to get closer to the sink. On the left side of the picture you can also see the elevated dishwasher. These features aid in creating a more barrier free independent living for those in a wheelchair.

What makes a house handicap / wheelchair accessible friendly?

1. No step entry to the front door.

2. Doorways with at least 32" of clearance, preferrably  35" if possible.

3. Tile or hardwood floors instead of carpet.

4. Pull out kitchen cabinet shelves.

5. Support bars/handles in bathrooms.

6. Open floor plan that provides maneuverability.

7. Recessed cabinet underneath the sink with modified plumbing.

8. Lever handles instead of door knobs.

9. Roll-in bathroom shower.

Post - Purchase Accessibility Modifications

It is very unlikely that you will find a house with all the modifications needed for complete wheelchair accessibility. Some people need more modifications and features than others.  Here are some pictures done by a contractor that specializes in wheelchair/handicap remodeling:

Front door ramp with highly visible outline for homes with a front door step.

Master bathroom sink with wheelchair access.  Simply remove the front cabinet face.

One of the most difficult but important remodeling challenges is in the master bathroom and involves the shower.  Below you can see before and after photos of a bathroom where most people would have thought a roll in shower was not an option.

Before remodeling:

After remodeling: