Lake ResourcesView All Articles >>

 According to the U.S. Census Bureau over 49.7 million Americans live with disabilities every day. According to the Minnesota Disability Data Table from the 2004 American Community Survey, an estimated 566,000 people in Minnesota have a disability, or 12.2 percent of the population age five and over.

When it comes to finding lake homes or property that is accessible to those with disabilities in Minnesota, options are limited. But with a little research, planning, and preparation, those who are disabled or have a family member that is disabled can have an opportunity to buy or rent lake property.

“Ask any cabin owner about the best memories or times of their lives and nine out of 10 times they will say it was the time spent at their cabin,” says Mike Chevrette, author of the Minnesota Travel Guide for Persons With Disabilities. “People with disabilities should be able to live the same quality of life and have the same opportunity to enjoy time at a cabin as the rest of the population.”

Chevrette, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury and is in a wheelchair, said the majority of lake properties are not built with the handicap cabin-goer in mind. That’s why those working with a realtor or searching for cabins that may fit their accessibility needs should look for certain factors.

When buying an existing lake property

• Is there room for a wheelchair to maneuver? Does the cabin have three main characteristics of an accessible home: 32 inch doors; 36 inch hallways, and a roll-in shower?
• If there aren’t grab bars in the shower, can they be added without it requiring major remodeling?
• Does it have a no-step approach, where someone in a wheelchair can get in and out of the house without any steps. Also, how many levels is the cabin and what is the accessibility to those levels?
• Is driveway access wide enough? Would you be able to drive a van up close to the cabin and have enough room for a ramp to let the person in a wheelchair out? Many cabins have narrow driveways which make this difficult.
• Is the land around the cabin flat, making it easy for someone in a wheelchair, family members who have to push someone in a wheelchair, or someone who uses crutches to get to the lake/dock and cabin without difficulty? Chevrette says even if land is flat, it’s important to look for other barriers – such as tree roots, rocks, and lumps/divots in the ground. Cabins or lake property on hills will be much more difficult for those who have physical disabilities.

When building a lake property:

• Chevrette recommends consulting with an accessible home builder before building a cabin. They will be able to provide information and ideas that will help make it an easier process. Dave Regal Construction is a Twin Cities home builder that specializes in accessible homes and products and can provide information.
• Make sure the builder builds the cabin with the three main characteristics needed of an accessible home/cabin: 32 inch doors; 36 inch hallways, and a roll-in shower.
• What other characteristics will be needed to fit your own individual situation and needs? A hoyer lift in the bathroom? An elevator? Lower shelves or cupboards in the kitchen? Also, does it have a no-step approach, where someone in a wheelchair can get in and out of the house without any steps.

“Keep in mind when working with a builder or searching for a cabin that each person has their own needs,” says Chevrette. “What may be accessible for one person might not be for another. It’s really hard to pinpoint what each individuals needs are, so really think about what you need to live the quality of life you want and enjoy your time at the cabin.”

Other factors to consider when buying or building a cabin or lake property or moving to the lake:

• Is there access to medical services near by? Based on your disability and needs, what types of medical services are available, such as a hospital or clinic. How long would it take an ambulance to reach you or your loved ones in the case of an emergency?
• Is there a pharmacy or doctor nearby who can assist you if you run out of meds or need something in an emergency?
• If buying an existing lake property, does it have a dock that can handle a wheelchair and/or can it be modified to help a person in a wheelchair into a pontoon without major modifications? If building a new cabin keep in mind handicap accessible docks are available to purchase, says Chevrette. Check with any marina that sells docks.
• If you do buy a pontoon, consider the weight of the wheelchair if the pontoon gets full and near maximum capacity. Wheelchairs often weigh as much or more than another person.
• Focus on the future: Many people are selling their home and retiring to the cabin. Chances are as they get older they will develop some form of a disability. When building a new cabin or remodeling an existing property, consider the long-term – make adjustments now for the future and when you get older you can save money without more costly remodeling or modification.
• Become familiar with Universal Design: According to AARP, Universal design are those home design features that make a home safe and comfortable for everyone, young or old, whether they have a disability or not. It’s making a home for all ages.
• Visitability: Someone in your immediate family may not have a disability, but another family member or close friends does. Is your cabin or lake property a place where those who are close to you and have disabilities can come and visit and feel comfortable?

“Those who have disabilities have more things to consider when buying a cabin,” says Chevrette." But as a former cabin owner myself, I know the desire to be at the cabin or lake is just as great as anyone else.”

Author Matt Krumrie is a Twin Cities-based freelance writer.