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Physical Environment & Balance

For background information on the characteristics of balance disorders, a description of who is affected, and the types of issues functional limitations in balance create, please refer to Understanding Disability: Balance Disorders.

Issues Related to the Physical Environment

People who experience balance issue and dizziness need additional supports for stability in the physical environment.  Additionally, people with functional limitations in balance need a spacious physical environment more time to complete tasks.  

Examples of Problems

  • A survivor has difficulty rising from a deep chair provided in a waiting area.
  • A provider leads the survivor down a long narrow hallway. The provider is in front of her and talks to her during the length of the walk. The survivor cannot walk and process what the provider is saying at the same time. She is focusing on maintaining her balance. There is no handrail to assist someone along the length of the walkway.
  • A survivor in a shelter takes a long time to cook a meal. Everything is spaced far apart in the kitchen. She also needs to sit while she works, and she moves slowly with a chair from place to place in order to keep from falling.
  • Poor signage directing people to meeting rooms is stressful for anyone trying to attend something in a new place and get there on time.

Suggested Solutions

  • The universal design solution to seating is to have multiple styles, so that people can choose what works best. People with balance disorders, for instance, may need firmer chairs with arms able to support rising from a seated position.
  • Long hallways are easier to navigate with a 'chair rail.'  If possible, you could also install a grab bar at a height of 36-38" from the floor.  A short term solution would be for the provider to refrain from telling her any vital information while walking down the hallway.  
  • As much as possible, space cooking utensils and accessories in the preparation area.  Additionally, provide a stool for the survivor to perch on as an alternative to sitting.  Be sure to allow survivors with functional limitations in balance additional time for regularly scheduled activities. 
  • Be sure to have clear and accessible signage posted to direct people to meeting areas.
  • People with functional limitations in balance need to avoid rapid changes in position, especially from lying down to standing up or turning around from one side to the other.  Consider buying a transfer pole (they run about $200) that can be affixed to the bed of anyone who needs it and then stored out of the way when it is not needed.