ACCESSIBILITY
SOLUTIONS
Accessible Home Modifications and Disability Lifts
are our
PASSION
Welcome to our blog!
BFA, LLC is an ADA contractor that provides accessible home modifications in Michigan. We specialize in creating solutions for home accessibility, particularly for wheelchair and handicap/disability remodeling. Our services include wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, ADA roll-in showers, bath safety, accessible kitchens, ramps, and lifts. We are ADA-compliant. We serve Southeast Michigan, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
We are excited to share our insights and ideas with you. Our blog covers a wide range of topics, including technology, lifestyle, education, and more. We strive to provide helpful, informative, and engaging content that you will find valuable and interesting. Whether you are looking for tips and tricks, product reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, our blog has something for everyone. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to connecting with you!
Accessibility & Technology: Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controllers
Technology is working alongside Accessibility more than ever.
Microsoft is coming out with adaptive Xbox controllers and we are all excited!
Watch the video bellow to see all the attachments you can use...
Click here to go to Microsoft Xbox website.
According to Microsoft Story Labs page,
" The new Xbox Adaptive Controller, which will be available later this year, can be connected to external buttons, switches, joysticks and mounts, giving gamers with a wide range of physical disabilities the ability to customize their setups. The most flexible adaptive controller made by a major gaming company, the device can be used to play Xbox One and Windows 10 PC games and supports Xbox Wireless Controller features such as button remapping. "
There is a group of gamers who have tested these controllers. One of the gamers, Dan Bertholomey, is excited for the endless possibilities the controllers have. He now plans on competing again in eSports!
Another gamer, Solomon Romney said,
"I can customize how I interface with the Xbox Adaptive Controller to whatever I want. If I want to play a game entirely with my feet, I can. I can make the controls fit my body, my desires, and I can change them anytime I want. You plug in whatever you want and go. It takes virtually no time to set it up and use it. It could not be simpler. I get to redesign my controller every day and get to choose how I want to play, Romney said. For me, that's the greatest thing ever."
There is so much more to read and learn about the Xbox adaptive controllers.
I am very excited but really I am happy this FINALLY exists. Inclusivity matters. Sofia was thinking the same thing as me, It's about time!
Would you use these controllers? Have you made your own adaptive controller?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Bathroom Renovation Tips that Make Cleaning a Breeze
What if I told you that one day, you may enjoy cleaning your bathroom?
Would you call me crazy?
In this article from Houzz, Becky Harris talks about her recently renovated bathroom and how much easier it is to clean it.
If you think about it, these renovations can make a big difference.
- Having a hand held shower makes it easy to rinse the shower area.
- Wall mounted toilet and sinks are the best! They take up little space and give you an open layout. This makes it so much easier to clean the floor, since there is less stuff in the way.
- Also, take into consideration the premium quality materials we use in bathroom remodels. BFA LLC, always double waterproofs bathrooms and use mold and mildew resistant grout. We also look for tile that is low maintenance and non slip.
When your bathroom is properly renovated with modern materials and technology, you will want to be in there more and it will be a lot easier to keep clean.
Learn more about BFA LLC. and the services we provide, give us a call at 734-414-9525 or send us an email.
What does your dream bathroom look like?
Comment below!
Accessible Bathroom 101
Over the years, working with the disability community, bathrooms have been our top priorities. The majority of our clients injuries at home, are from the bathroom.
"Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home."
Above MS, is a helpful resource for people with MS. There, I found an Occupational Therapist giving advise on bathroom modifications. I found her tips useful, so below, I broke it down for you ,as well as, added advise from our experience.
Grab bars
Grab bars come in different sizes and shapes. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. Flip bars are also a great option, especially next to the toilet. The flip bar, flips up and down, depending on your needs. It is helpful for transferring to the toilet.
ADA toilet
A raised toilet seat, or placing a commode with arms over a toilet, can help with transferring by reducing the distance from sitting to standing, or standing to sitting. Along with the ADA toilet, many of our clients request bidet toilet seats. For many people who have any sort of problem with decreased sensation, trunk rotation, decreased spine-motor coordination, or dexterity, bidet toilet seat help our clients with wiping and proper cleaning, a bidet toilet seat is a Godsend.
Shower seat
A shower seat is a must for an ADA shower. We recommend a folding shower bench. This is connected to the wall, so there is no sliding of the seat. You can fold it up to be out of your way, or fold it down when you need it. If you notice the image, we install grab bars right next to the shower seat for safe transitioning.
Hand shower
A Hand shower allows our clients or their caregivers, to shower easily and safely. You can use it standing up or sitting down.
Roll-in Shower
As an ADA specialists, we recommend an open floor design or Roll-in shower. There are no barriers to step over. Our clients can roll in and out of the shower.
Automatic Light Switch
When it comes to light switches, push pads are much easier than switches. There are different kinds, some are a glow-in-the-dark with wall templates, that are helpful for nighttime use. We also recommend automatic light switches. They turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom, using motion sensors.
Like the Occupational Therapist says, "Again, bathrooms could be inherently dangerous rooms, so it’s probably one of the most important rooms to start with certain changes or modifications. "
Reach out to us:
by commenting below
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email us at admin@adaforall.com
or call the BFA LLC. team at 734-414-9525
Sensory Kits at Restaurants
If you have a loved one or friend, with a sensory processing disorder, you know that it may be stressful going to restaurants. Anova, the nonprofit for children with sensory and learning differences, is now providing restaurants with sensory-freindly kits specifically designed to avoid meltdowns.
This all started when Jackie Hadley, Anova’s manager of charitable development and community relations, mentioned that she had many parents and family say that they just do not go out to restaurants due to the challenges related with sensory processing disorders.
What a great idea!
Unfortunately, the Anova kits are only in 11 restaurants in California...But, The Mighty has also provided a link to make one yourself. Click here to make your own sensory kit.
Let us know if you made a kit, or already have a versions of a kit.
Glamping?!
Have you heard of Glamping, or glamorous camping?
Glamping is a "comfort-focused way" to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to this trend, people with disabilities can now enjoy the great outdoors easier than ever. Lynn Anderson, a professor in the recreation, parks and leisure studies department at the State University of New York at Cortland mentions in the Momentum article that “You’re able to spend time in the outdoors overnight but have some of the amenities that you’re used to in everyday life to facilitate that experience.”
Karen Francisco, a customer service specialist who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS says, “I go for lots of walks. The quiet is very peaceful, and the fresh air is energizing. It gives me the opportunity to think about life and decompress.” Wouldn't you agree that wilderness therapy is a great way to de-stress?
Check out the article here to read more stories of fellow glampers with MS telling their experiences with glamping. The article also provides information on planning your next trip and places to stay that are accessible.
“I tell people to think about the experience they’d like to have, rather than potential limitations. Maybe it’s getting into the mountains, or maybe it’s waking up to the sound of crashing surf? With glamping, there are ways to make it possible.”
I am inspired to plan my next trip. Are you?
I don't need that yet...
When it comes to having an accessible home, the best advice we can give you is to think ahead !
Families often call us after mom has fallen for the second or third time. We want to be able to prevent you or your loved one from that happening in the first place.
This is why I was immediately sucked in to this article from Momentum, the magazine for the Nation MS Society. The article has stories of individuals with MS. Read below to learn from their experience.
After Anthony Andrade noticed difficulty going up and down stairs, he got a ramp. Anthony says, “Now I can drive my electric wheelchair up the ramp. It’s so much easier getting in and out of the house. And I can be home by myself.”
Another women diagnosed with MS, Retta Yorns mentioned this, “I knew things would become more difficult for me, so we started making certain adaptations." She renovated the bathroom and kitchen, as well as the doorways and floors throughout her house to make them more accessible. “I’m not using a wheelchair now, but I’m trying to think ahead,” Yorns says.
“Often people don’t want to do something until they need it, But you want to stay ahead of the curve, even if you don’t need it right now.”
Check out the article here.