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Making Things Reachable

Problem
Having materials within easy reach can be crucial to people with mental retardation. Because of small stature, wheelchair use or muscle tightness, they often have a very small area in which they can reach.  Muscle weakness can also make it difficult for them to reach for things that are far away.  For these individuals, getting a task done is dependent on how well it is set-up.

• Being able to easily reach a “target,” such as a switch that operates a favorite music box, makes the activity more enjoyable and increases the chance that the user will reach for the switch again.

•  When all the items needed to make a sandwich are within reach, attention to task and independence are improved. 

Each individual has an Area of Reach.  To determine the Area of Reach, have the person sit, stand or lay down comfortably and ask him or her to reach up, down, left, right and forward.  If only one arm can be used, this area will be shifted to that side.  If reaching or leaning forward is a problem, the area will be very close to the person.  When setting up an activity, all needed materials should be within this Area of Reach.

Related Functional Limitations:  Reaching/Lifting, Mobility/Balance, Hand Use 

Solution 1: Increase the surface area within the Area of Reach.  Maximize a limited Area of Reach with careful placement of work surfaces and by adding more work surfaces.

Ideas:

• Consider the height of surfaces such as tables and desks.  Most people do best with a smooth, level surface that is slightly above their lap. 

• Increase the amount of reachable surface area within the Area of Reach by using stacking boxes, upright file holders, shelves, lazy susan’s, etc.

• Allow enough knee and footrest clearance under surfaces for wheelchair users to get close to activities.

  Solution 2: Put Things Within Reach.  Move the items and the person closer together.

Ideas:

• Store frequently used materials in the most accessible areas for the individual.  For instance, put breakfast cereal and bowls together in a low kitchen cabinet or drawer for wheelchair users.

• Utilize the refrigerator door for the storage of favorite drinks and snacks for wheelchair users.  (Please note that the door is not recommended for storage of items that spoil easily such as dairy products.)

• When counters are too high, find a drawer that is at a better height to use as a work area:
  -Cut a hole in a piece of wood to fit over the open drawer and use it to support mixing bowls.
  -Use the open drawer to support a cutting board

• Lower clothes rods in closets for shorter people or those who use wheelchairs.

• Use a lap desk when a regular tabletop is outside the Area of Reach.

• Use a mounting device to position items (i.e., adapted switches) within easy reach.  Check out the "Universal Switch Mounting System" in Product Search.

  Solution 3: Bridge The Gap.  If you can’t bring the person closer to the things they need to reach, use a device to bridge the gap.

Ideas:

• Attach extensions to window shades and light pulls.

• Purchase a reacher.  Reachers come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate a person’s skills and the task at hand.  We recommend that you seek the guidance of an occupational or physical therapist before purchasing a reacher.

• For electrical appliances, use a remote on/off switch, such as “the Clapper.”

• Use “Find the Right Product” for other product ideas.