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Remodeling an outdoor area for a vision disability

Remodeling an outdoor area for a vision disability comes with its own challenge. It is essential that those who are sight impaired can enjoy outside as much as anyone else.

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Remodeling an outdoor area for a vision disability. Photo by jypsygen on Flickr.Outdoor areas such as backyards, patios and gardens are a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Remodeling an outdoor area for a vision disability in mind comes with its own challenge, but it is essential to making sure that those who are sight impaired can enjoy the outside as much as anyone else.

As with most residential remodeling, it's important to first come up with a plan for renovation. Decide on a budget and the part of the outdoor area you want to remodel. While much of the area can stay the same, certain aspects will need to be changed.

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The sun produces harmful UV rays that can damage the eyes as a result of unprotected exposure. People with a vision impairment are just as vulnerable to eye damage due to the sun's rays as anyone else. For this reason, it's important to have a shaded area in which to enjoy fresh air while minimizing sun exposure. People with sight disabilities are often more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun than individuals with normal sight, so this is an important part of remodeling an outdoor area for vision disability.

People with disabilities need special accommodations when it comes to most outdoor activities. When planning residential renovation, it's important to keep pool safety in mind. If you have a pool, it should be cordoned off in such a way that the disabled person won't accidentally fall in.

Raised pools are the safest option, but if the backyard contains an in-ground pool, safety precautions can make it a safe and enjoyable area. A pool gate or fence that surrounds the pool area is useful for preventing accidental entry, as well as keeping out animals.

Common backyard and garden objects can present unpleasant obstacles for those with sight-related disabilities. It's imperative to ensure a clear pathway is available from the door leading all the way through the outdoor area.

Most people with sight-related disabilities require the use of a cane to navigate effectively, so a flat walkway surface is usually preferable to grass. Uneven ground is also a tripping hazard, making it difficult for a cane to move smoothly over the change in terrain.

A Seeing Eye dog is another important consideration. While most Seeing Eye dogs are well trained and don't typically run away, a fenced-in backyard is a wise choice for any home with animals. Not only will the dog be able to get much-needed exercise, but also the disabled person can enjoy the peace of the outdoors without having to worry about losing his or her companion.

Hiring a contractor who's used to accommodating disabilities makes the task of remodeling much easier. An experienced contractor knows which safety features are necessary when remodeling an outdoor area for a vision disability, preventing the need for expensive revisions later on.

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Photo credit: jypsygen via Compfight CC.