Automatic Door Openers

Adaptations do not need to be ugly. That is why I chose this automatic door opener button to photograph instead of the large protruding circular round buttons. For some people, like flat light switches, the large surface area makes it easier to press. For me, the smaller vertical switches like the one pictured above are just as easy and far more subtle than the loud "clank" often heard when pressing one of those large round switches.

Occasionally the location of the vertical switches along a doorframe is less convenient, but in the interest of aesthetics I do appreciate them more. I have also learned that they are easier to retroactively install when the button is right in the doorframe. For a switch to be installed in the wall perpendicular to the door it will open, the electrical installation often means a lot of drilling and invasive work on the walls. In my opinion, if we want businesses to be considerate of our needs we need to be flexible and be appreciative of the most cost effective modifications for them.

As for the effectiveness of the switches, I find that far too greater percentage of them are shut off or malfunctioning. Many doors simply do not have them. I am thankful that I do have the strength to open most doors that I can get a proper grip on the handle without the help of the button. That said, I don't often pass up the opportunity to have a heavy door open for me, be it by machine or a person.

Source: Adaptive technology suppliers and installers.

Door Knobs

Have you ever been trapped behind an unlocked door? Thanks to my paralyzed hands, I have. The rubber palms on The Gloves usually get me out of that bind after a few tries.

Have you ever been delayed behind an unlocked door while you had to set your bag or basket of groceries down to open the door a crack before picking it back up and entering? Everybody has.

This is just one more example where technology as simple as a lever door handle can help everyone out. It doesn't need to be some obvious, ugly modification that sticks out like a sore thumb. It simply needs to be something that works well for everybody and the industry will make it attractive in appearance. Not unlike flat light switches.

Thankfully, both flat light switches and lever door handles are far more common and make the lives of disabled people so much easier while conveniently making other people's lives a little bit easier when their hands are full.

Source: Any hardware store.