Wheelchair accessible growing?

I was approached about building up a small med grow for an individual who uses a wheelchair.

As I think through the design, I'm afraid that I'm going to miss some basic points of usability, as I have never used a wheelchair for any period of time.

Anybody out there growing on wheels? I'd love to hear about particular challenges that you've faced, or work-arounds that you've developed.

I'm thinking either RW or coco drip to waste, to minimize the amount of water that has to be moved around. Soil/soiless would prob be easier, but I'm hoping to be able to come up w/ a design that would allow the user to run without any assistance, and soil is heavy. RW slabs seem maybe the most practical, as slab trays are pretty easy to move around, even with a stand and a wet slab in them- but I wonder if there's some stumbling block that I'm missing. Also, probabley need to come up with some kind of pulley system to adjust lighting.

Anyhoo, I thought that I'd float the idea, and see if anybody has any relevant experience. If folks are interested, I'll post up whatever I come up with.

Thanks

I would think that the activities a chairbound person performs in the kitchen would be very similar to those necessary to conduct a grow. So when you're searching for ideas, you might want to check out handicapped accessible kitchens. There's probably a lot more overt information available about kitchens than there is about growrooms.

Just a thought - and a courtesy bump. :D

Good luck!

PC :thumbsup:

Good point- and thanks for the bump.

Luckily, I've got a builder in the family who's done a few kitchens for differantly-abled folks. He's a font of info. Also, the state Building Code specs for accessible housing have brought up a few points.

I was actually involved, some years ago, with a program that worked with folks who were returning to the workforce after traumatic injuries. I've done a little bit of work helping people set up work stations to accomodate their disabilities- Sometimes our assumptions and design were pretty good, and sometimes, well, less so...

The input of folks who would actually be using, or were using, the work station was invaluable. I know myself well enough to know that I never think of everything.

Again, good point and thanks.

kind of a kooky suggestion but i think the best way to know how difficult it would be to grow while in a wheel chair would be to experience it.

I also think some ways of growing would be easier than others. Like with what you said with hauling abunch of water. and also your handicaped friend might want to train his plants not to grow so tall; so he will have an easier time inspecting,harvesting, and just seeing his plants.

im interested in how everything works out. good luck

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keeko

kind of a kooky suggestion but i think the best way to know how difficult it would be to grow while in a wheel chair would be to experience it.

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Right there with you- I've got feelers out for an R&D loaner chair. She doesn't have a spare, and I can't afford to rent one.

Hmm... wonder if there's grant money out there for this kind of thing?:D

I'm sure it'll be challenging, but I hope to make it as un-challenging as possible.

Thanks for the reply.

This is a really interesting idea! :) Can we see the final designs and adaptations?

Soon as I have em!

Got some great pointers from a grower over on IC.

Hey Rhiz ,
Much luv. for lookin out for more ppl. like myself :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Please search the words burns / amputations and find my thread w/ contact info- it's in the thread twice and please holler. NOBODY ELSE EVEN DREAM OF SPAMMIN THIS ADDY !!!!!! I think we already talk to a few of the same ppl. , and I think She'll vouch for me . :) I'd feel better about sending indepth pics. , talking about personal issues etc... I'm just your guinea pig , esp. after 6 1/2 yrs. of P/T - O/T = Im the adaptive equip. king .
God Bless man
Crispi :jointsmile:

This is a perfect thread for T/Y.com too , might gain some useful insight there too .

Xcrispi-

Thanks, man. Just the kind of input I was after. Pulled your addy, so if you want to edit it away I'm all good. Have emailed.

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

A suggestion I would like to add is avoiding large SQUARE tables in favor of longer, narrow tables where you can easily reach over and access any point on the table. Like a kitchen counter... no more than about ~2 feet deep perhaps?