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Remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability

Remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability in mind is a difficult task, but it can be done with the right information and motivation.

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Remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability. Photo by Sharon Drummond on Flickr.Most American homes have some form of outdoor area in which they can enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability in mind is a difficult task, but it can be done with the right information and motivation. With a few simple tools, you can make sure that your loved one can enjoy the outdoors just like everyone else.

Find licensed contractors for remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability!

Residential remodeling for people with disabilities comes with unique challenges. For this reason, it is important to work with a contractor who has experience in residential renovation for people with disabilities. If your contractor does not understand what you are trying to accomplish, the remodeling process will be a needlessly uphill battle.

Learning about the latest in technology for the hearing impaired before beginning the renovation process is also essential. New technologies that improve the lives of individuals with disabilities emerge each year, so research should be a huge part of the planning stage.

Most people with hearing disabilities can read lips to some degree. Others communicate solely through the use of ASL, or American Sign Language. Both lip reading and ASL require the ability to clearly see what a person is saying, which is one of the first challenges about accommodating disabilities related to hearing.

Many events that take place outdoors happen during dark hours, which can be a frustrating communication hurdle for someone with a hearing-related disability. The person needs to see clearly in order to communicate effectively.

Remodeling an outdoor area with hearing disability in mind should begin with installing plenty of outdoor lights. You can save money and electricity over the long term by purchasing light fixtures that are scheduled to turn on only when it's dark outside. This is a great way to make your hearing-impaired loved one feel comfortable outdoors.

Another aspect of remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability that is often overlooked is proper signage. This is generally applicable only to homes with children who have hearing disabilities. Most city governments will provide signage for the outdoor area of your home to ensure that motorists are aware of the fact that a child with a hearing disability is going to be playing outdoors.

If the person with a hearing disability has a service animal, fencing in your yard is useful to maximize safety. While most service animals are highly obedient, children will often chase after an animal that runs away, making an open backyard a safety risk.

Now that you know the basic steps to take to make your outdoor area accommodating to your loved one with a hearing disability, you can start the remodeling process. Remodeling an outdoor area for a hearing disability in mind is challenging, but it can be done with the right tools and an understanding contractor.

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Photo credit: Sharon Drummond via Compfight CC.