Creating the Accessible Dorm Room

Adventurous Wheelgirls who intend to live on campus while attending college have tremendous challenges. However, the excitement of being independent should outweigh the hassles of establishing and maintaining this new lifestyle.

The first step is to cover the essentials of acquiring the essential equipment needed to make the home-to-campus transition pleasant and safe. Some of our suggestions would include a bed, multipurpose table, desk, computer, shower chair, hygienic toilet seat, Hoyer lift, a rolling stool or chair, plus a futon or armchair/bed.

The Bed

The bed consists of two parts—the frame and the mattress.

The most versatile bed frame is a platform that can lower, raise and tilt. This kind of platform requires an extra long mattress to accommodate the frame’s amazing flexibility to tilt at a variety of angles. Google the key word Adjustable Bed, and you will find numerous vendors for this product.

The mattress is a much more complicated and customized item to assess and purchase. Specific disability, expense and residence must be considered before investing a mattress. Users with upper body strength may be satisfied with a conventional extra-long twin mattress. However, people with limited upper body strength may be better served with a Tempur-pedic mattress or a Sleep Number Bed. Such mattresses are available at local mattress stores.

However, numerous people cannot turn themselves in bed, making them vulnerable to ulcers and dependant on nighttime aide support. Google Specialized Beds to access to a variety of mattresses styles from simple foam mattresses to mattresses that relieve pressure points by inflating and deflating the mattress, to beds that actually rotate the sleeper, thereby avoiding pressure sores and discomfort. The Rolls Royce of beds, the Freedom Bed (www.Pro-bed.com), relieves pressure by rotating the sleeper and features a voice activated “Help” feature connected to aide support, TV or even the DVD.

The Table

Many of us might require a changing table or stretching table, which can be customized according to specified length and favorite color. The Hill Table is a hydraulic table, which rises from 20 inches to inches, thereby preventing attendant wear and tear. Contact for additional options and costs. However, you can expect to pay about $2,000 for this fantastic and sometimes necessary addition to the dorm room. Google Adjustable Tables to identify other tables that might suit your needs.

The Desk

Most college dorms provide the student with and appropriate desk. However, because of mobility issues, the wheelchair student might want to extend the surface of the desk, thereby creating several work areas and staging areas for different assignments. Of course, the computer is queen. But students might want to consider arm supports to assist them in their computer work. Contact www. for very durable and well designed arm supports to assist in typing duties. (Remember to order two supports if you want one for each arm.)

The Computer

You are on your own here. But what a world of possibilities the computer has made available for everyone and especially for us. (Parents might want to consider a video hook up with their student; students may agree to this daily communication tool if it means independent living away from parents.)

The Shower Chair

Wheelchair users should have access to a shower chair. The price range varies from $35 to well over $1,000, so shop the Internet to find the most suitable chair. Google Shower Chair, which will take you to numerous websites featuring stationary shower chairs and benches as well as toileting transfer chairs and other related items to make dorm living much more accessible and pleasant. Some wheelchair users might even benefit from a shower chair on wheels, which are produced with plastic or stainless steel frames.

The Toilet Seat

Numerous manufacturers have now made available toilet seats that spray water for a hygienic rinse and blow air for drying, thereby making toileting more independent for the wheelchair with limited upper body function. These toilet seats range in cost and function: Google Personal Hygiene to find one that suits your needs and budget. (Warning: able-bodied people will want to use this toilet seat, especially during those cold winter months.)

A Transfer Lift

Even those wheelchair users who can pivot transfer with aide support may need a Hoyer lift to transfer in dorm rooms because of liability concerns. Google Hoyer Lift for numerous vendors and products.

Rolling Stool or Chair

A rolling stood or a rolling chair is a great aid for your aide who will need to transfer you from wheelchair to bed, or to toilet, or to shower chair or to dressing/stretching table. A stool works in small spaces; however, a rolling padded chair (no arms) can double as a comfortable guest chair. For the traveling wheelchair users, an aide might benefit from a compact camping tripod ( ). Transfers made while the aide is in a sitting might prevent back injuries, which is a major hazard to the aide. Of course, caution must be taken regarding the weight and height of the person being transferred.

Futon or Convertible “Chairbed”

Visitors will be more comfortable spending the night if they have access to a bed; you will be more comfortable if, by day, you have a futon or “chairbed” to grace your dorm room. Coordinate it with you adjustable table and your bedspread, etc.

Don’t Forget

Of course, you must decorate with artwork and posters. (Consider even the ceiling as wall space.) Certain wheelchair users might even be able to add a colorful floor treatment in their rooms.

Extras

You will find dozens of lists of what to take to college. However, we have queried a few dorm residents regarding their most important dorm item. See the follow list of favorites:

Super glue
Duct tape
Flashlight
Coffee maker
Long q-tips
Silk underwear (in various colors)