Accessible Home Modifications

Having accessible housing is vital for people with disabilities. Often times, a home will require modifications to make it safe, accessible, and user-friendly so that the resident can lead a more active and independent life. The UDS Accessible Home Modifications Group specializes in customizing homes to make them safer and more livable for those with disabilities and the elderly. We have experts who evaluate, design, contract for, and supervise structural modifications for homeowners and landlords to meet the specific needs of each resident. And we partner with business and public facilities to make needed modifications. Here are just some of the modifications we offer:

General- Ramps, lifts, stair glides, elevators, widened doorways and hallways, low-pile carpet, smooth flooring, easy-access closets, easily operated windows, lighting, and emergency exists, as well as chair height mailboxes, doorbells, outlets and controls.

Bathroom- Out-swing doors, walk-in tubs, roll-in showers, hand-held adjustable showerheads, easy-transfer toilets, wheelchair turnaround areas, grab bars, roll-under vanities/sinks, non-slip surfaces, and easy-access storage.

Kitchen- Proper height/easy-access front-operated appliances, roll-under and pullout work areas, lower counters and cabinets, easy-access storage, recessed baseboards, non-slip surfaces, and improved lighting.

Bedroom- Built-in beds and cabinets, bedside controls, direct bathroom access, convenient storage, easy-access closets and reinforced ceilings for lifting equipment.

Commercial- Modifications to office buildings, churches, schools, libraries, museums, and community centers that allow easier access and greater usability. Some public facility improvements may be eligible for government grant assistance.

April 5, 2009 - Agency gets job done in house
The Sunday News features a new program by United Disabilities Services that builds on grants for home modifications.

May 19, 2009 – A Gift For Sam
WGAL-TV News Story about a young boy who receives a much needed home modification to access the outdoors.


Our design process

• Individual needs assessment- The first step in making a home more responsive to a person's livability needs is an individual-needs assessment. Working together, we determine which needs can be met through home modifications, assistive technology, and low-cost standardized solutions.
  
• Home evaluation- Next we perform a visual inspection of the home as part of a home evaluation to identify possible zoning code, condition and maintenance issues that will affect the design/construction process. We believe there should be no surprises.
  
• Modification feasibility assessment- We then conduct a modification feasibility study to access the appropriateness of specific modifications, including cost estimates and the effect on the home's resale value. Our goal is to maximize the livability of the home while staying on budget.
  
• Construction- The final step is construction. This is where our experience assures the desired results. We supervise the entire construction process, including competitive bidding, contract, insurance, job quality, and even the timeliness and courtesy of the crew.
  
• Experience is our greatest strength
  UDS brings insight, sensitivity, and experience to every job. We understand the unique needs of people with disabilities, and offer individualized solutions that add greatly to our clients' quality of life. We aren't just another builder or contractor offering our services. We are specialists providing a full range of home modifications. Our clients count on us to make their home safer, more accessible, and better suited to their daily needs.
  

We work with some of the industry's most respected suppliers, like Granberg- a leading manufacturer of universal design products. Additionally, we are a certified dealer for Bruno -- America's most popular stairlifts. And because we purchase large quantities of home modification products every year, our clients can be sure they will receive the best service and highest quality at the lowest cost.

We use the finest products from brand name manufacturers and retailers:

• Best Bath
• Bruno Stairlifts
• Clarion
• Enable Me
• Granberg
• Hajoca
• Home Depot
  
• Moen
• Praxis
• Rane
• Safety Bath

Financial assistance
Many of our clients with permanent disabilities and modest incomes are surprised to learn they can receive financial assistance for needed home modifications through state and federal grants of up to $10,000. Whether our clients are renters or homeowners, we help them determine if they qualify for financial assistance provided through the Department of Community & Development, Medicare and other county, state, and federal programs.

Counties served in Pennsylvania:
Berks, Carbon, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Schuylkill, York

(click here) for Lancaster and Lebanon Grant Application

Give us a call
UDS Accessible Home Modifications can make an enormous difference in your life. To schedule a free needs assessment and evaluation, call
888-428-0240, or request your free do-it-yourself home safety assessment PDF here.