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I’ve always tried to make my home the ultimate safe harbor. No wonder then, after the accident that left me a C-6 quad over thirty years ago, I swore that whatever home I lived in would be as accessible as I could arrange.

Easier said than done.

My house’s steps, narrow doorways and inaccessible bathrooms looked almost too difficult to adapt. But thanks to good advice, a cooperative contractor and some financial help from Florida’s DVR (Department of Vocational Rehabilitation), the house was accessible by the time I left rehab.

I’ve moved twice since then, adapting both homes as well as two offices. So if you’re a newbie, here are some things I’ve learned along the way that might make adapting yours easier for you.

1. Research: Read articles. Talk to other people with disabilities, counselors and contractors. Go look at accessible hotel rooms. Then think long and hard about what you can and can’t do.

2. Make it look normal: Your house doesn’t have to look like a hospital. Long graded walkways look better and work as well as ramps and, if they’re not needed, handrails and grab bars are just ugly.

3. Don’t just do the minimum: Doorways wider than ADA requirements minimize scraped knuckles and dinged walls. And longer than required ramps make that push into your house at the end of a long day much easier.