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accessibility

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Disability

Top 10 Ways To Increase Shower Accessibility

by Joanna No Banana March 21, 2021

A major struggle of many disabled people and/or those dealing with chronic illness can be the ability to practice “proper” hygiene. This article explores some of the ways in which showering and/or bathing can become more accessible. 

What is an accessible shower? What does an accessible shower mean?

Let’s begin this conversation by addressing  what is an accessible shower. An accessible shower is simply a shower that a person can take without any major difficulties. As you find when you look through the next section of this article which suggests  potential solutions to this problem, almost everyone uses something to help them have a more accessible shower. However, for disabled people the accessibility is more of a need than a want, while for nondisabled people it tends to be more of a convenience. Either way, more accessible showering can be extremely helpful to both groups of people.  

The following are some tools/products to make showers and baths accessible:

  • 1. Shower Chair 
    • How does a shower chair help increase shower accessibility? A shower chair offers an alternative to standing while taking a shower. 
    • Who does a shower chair help?  This tool can be extremely helpful to a wide variety of people. Anyone who can benefit from sitting down can be included in this category, such as people who tend to utilize wheelchairs, those who deal with joint issues, anyone experiencing chronic pain, those for whom standing may lead to fainting, etc.
    • Examples of a shower chair:
shower bench shower chair without handles on the sides shower chair with handles on the sides
  • 2. Shower Filter 
    • How does a shower filter help increase shower accessibility?  While a shower filter may seem like an unlikely accessibility tool,  it can be extremely beneficial to reduce and remove certain types of chemicals, such as chlorine, found in modern water systems. 
    • Who does a shower filter help? Those who are sensitive to chemicals oftentimes found in the water system would find a shower filter can help increase their shower accessibility.  For example, those dealing with any sort of Mast Cell Disorder would be able to take  safer showers which wouldn’t lead to unwanted symptoms such as hives and headaches. These filters also benefit anyone using them even if they don’t usually have any symptoms caused by their shower water, especially since a lot of water systems have things like chloride added which can dry out the skin and even cause some more serious problems in the long-run.
    • Examples of a shower filter:
shower filter with six different filters Vitamin C shower filter AquaBliss silver shower filter
  • 3. Shower Rack/Suction Cup Basket
    • How does a shower rack / suction cup basket help increase shower accessibility? These products help to provide easier access to hygiene products. By doing so, those taking a shower are able to spend more of their energy on utilizing the hygiene products rather than spending their energy on searching for and reaching for their products.
    • Who do these products help? These products can help anybody. However, those with mobility issues would greatly benefit from them.
    • Examples of shower rack and suction cup basket:
shower rack hanging in shower shower shelf with suction cup
  • 4. Safe Product
    • How does a safe product help increase shower accessibility? The term “safe product” is open to interpretation as it means something different to each individual. For example, it may mean fragrance-free or offer a packaging that is easy to open. Therefore, there are a variety of ways in which these products could help shower accessibility.
    • Who do safe products help? Since safe products can have varying meanings and uses per individual, they can help a wide range of people as well. Some specific examples would be hypoallergenic products for those with allergies/sensitivities and pumps on top of products for those dealing with joint issues.
    • Examples of a safe product:
two empty bottles with pumps fragrance free Vanicream moisturizing cream fragrance free Vanicream deodorant
  • 5. Handheld Shower Head
    • How does a handheld shower head help increase shower accessibility? A handheld shower head helps to shower the entire body with a minimized amount of effort.
    • Who does handheld shower head help? It helps a wide range of people, including those who need to be seated in a shower chair.
    • Example of a handheld shower head:
handheld shower head
  • 6. Back Scrubber
    • How does a back scrubber help increase shower accessibility? A back scrubber helps to clean certain body parts, such as the back, which may be hard to reach.
    • Who does a back scrubber help? Back scrubbers can aid anyone with mobility issues.
    • Examples of a back scrubber:
wooden-looking back scrubber with exfoliating glove exfoliating material back scrubber with exfoliating gloves plastic back scrubber with loofah on the opposite side
  • 7. Shower Mat
    • How does a shower mat help increase shower accessibility? A shower mat helps to prevent slipping and even prevent falls.
    • Who does a shower mat help? Shower mats are often used by many people as a preventative measure to help people feel safer and more comfortable in their showers. Some people who have trouble standing or struggle with heat intolerance especially to the point of fainting  can heavily benefit from a shower mat.
    • Examples of a shower mat:
shower mat for inside the shower shower mat for outside the shower
  • 8. Detangling Brush 
    • How does a detangling brush help increase shower accessibility? A detangling brush allows people two more easily brush their hair in the shower while being gentle on joints.
    • Who does a detangling brush help? It helps those who struggle with fatigue, joint pain, and anyone else feels discomfort while brushing their hair with more common types of hairbrushes. 
    • Examples of detangling brush:
two brushes from Wet Brush a mint brush with a curve for joint easiness a scalp massager
  • 9. Grab Rail 
    • How does a grab rail help increase shower accessibility? A grab rail helps similarly to a shower mat as it helps with slipping and prevents falling by having an area that someone can hold onto while showering.
    • Who does a grab rail help?  A grab rail helps anyone who is worried about slipping or falling. It also helps wheelchair users as they get into the shower/bathtub. 
    • Example of a grab rail:
photo of a grab rail
  • 10. Bath Board 
    • How does a bath board help increase shower accessibility?  A bath board allows a person to rest in their bathtub comfortably and be able to take care of hygiene needs from that position since all the necessary products are already placed on the bath board. 
    • Who does a bath board help? Anyone who takes baths, especially due to accessibility needs, should consider a bath board. 
    • Examples of bath boards:
adjustable width bath board simple bath board with indent in the middle for products large and luxurious bath board

While this is a list of my personal top 10 ways to increase shower accessibility from my experience and what has been brought to my attention, please keep in mind this list will be different for different people as all our needs vary from one to the next. Check out these options. Choose what works best for you. Make showering an easier task for yourself as much as possible. Hygiene can be difficult for many disabled and/or chronically ill people, so let’s make it as easy for ourselves as we can. 

(Please note that these links are affiliate links which means I may make a small profit if you purchase these products through my links. Thank you so much!)

March 21, 2021 0 comment
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Double tap if you agree! ❤ Today, let's shine a Double tap if you agree! ❤

Today, let's shine a spotlight on the power of accommodation and accessibility. 

Have you ever taken the elevator? Have you ever had any request for your meal or drink like an extra side of sauce or more ice in your cup? Have you ever driven in a car? Those are all things that make life more accessible for you!

Accessibility isn't something that only people who identify as disabled benefit from. It's something every single person utilizes! By accommodating the needs of disabled people, we create a more inclusive world for everyone. 

In the culinary world, embracing accessibility means catering to diverse dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious offerings. From allergen-free options to culturally inclusive menus, let's savor the joy of inclusive dining experiences.

When choosing venues, let's prioritize accessibility. It's about more than just ramps and elevators (even though those are extremely important!); it's about creating an environment where everyone can navigate freely, safely, and comfortably.

Let's create a world where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a guiding principle. By working hand in hand, we can break down barriers, cultivate inclusivity, and make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

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#Disability #Disabled #Accessibility #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll 
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#ad Which @partakefoods flavor do you want to try #ad Which @partakefoods flavor do you want to try the most? 🍪

For me, the journey to find products I can safely enjoy as a person living with chronic illness and food allergies is difficult (to say the least!). But it brings me immense joy that Partake Foods’ delicious snacks are not only safe and make me feel seen but also super delicious! 

They offer both Crunchy cookies (Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, Ginger Snap, and Double Chocolate) and Soft Baked cookies (Cookie Butter, Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Double Chocolate Brownie, and Snickerdoodle) for you and your loved ones to enjoy!

My personal favorite is the Chocolate Chip flavor (both the Crunchy and Soft Baked versions), but Soft Baked Lemon is a strong second!

I also love that Partake is a Black-owned, women-led brand that champions radical inclusivity by making top 9 allergen-free, gluten-free, Kosher, vegan, and non-GMO products. Plus, they are a certified B Corp, so I can feel good about supporting them while they make a difference for the world around us. 

Check out Partake’s store locator to find their products at a store near you!

#PartakePartner #Top9Free #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeSnack #GlutenFreeSnacks #Vegan #VeganSnack #VeganSnacks #Kosher #Top9Free #Top8Free #AllergyFriendlySnacks #AllergyFriendlySnack #FoodAllergy #FoodAllergies #MastCellActivationSyndrome
Accessibility is a wonderful thing! 🥰 Many of Accessibility is a wonderful thing! 🥰

Many of us disabled folks have had to lose out on hobbies, experiences, etc. due to things being inaccessible to us. It's so disheartening to lose out on something you already loved or never even got a chance to try due to it being inaccessible to you.

That's why accessibility features are such an amazing thing!

Lately I've been spending some of my time playing video games like Stray and True Colors. One major issue for me has been flash warnings so I really appreciate when there are proper warnings. For example, in True Colors with the accessibility feature I chose, it pauses the game and reminds you to adjust light settings which made the game so much more enjoyable since I could let my guard down to some extent.

Are you aware of accessibility features when it comes to gaming? Which ones do you utilize? Let me know what you think!

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#Disabled #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #DisabledGamers #Accessibility #GamingAccessibility
#sponsored What’s your favorite way to relax? P #sponsored What’s your favorite way to relax?

Personally, I love spending time with nature and admiring beautiful colors so I’m a major fan of flower fields as the perfect place to relax! 

For a little extra boost of relaxation, I love taking my MegaFood Relax + Calm Magnesium Soft Chews as the magnesium helps ease my muscle tension and helps me to feel a sense of relaxation. (It also tastes delicious!)

They are Dr. Formulated with a highly absorbable magnesium complex and individually wrapped so you can take them anywhere!

Get yours at a Target near you!

#RelaxAndUnwind #MegaFood #StressAwareness #Magnesium #MagnesiumBenefits
What makes a healthcare professional (doctor, nurs What makes a healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, etc.) the best they can be for their patients? 🤔

As someone with medical trauma, it can feel like a heavy question as I recall all those healthcare "professionals" who have failed not only me but also many other patients as well. 

That being said, these are the traits that I look for in someone I would like to have on my healthcare team:

1. Knows when they don't know something and are willing to admit it. Phrases like "I'm not sure what's going on here but I'll do my best to figure it out" is one of the most hopeful things I've ever heard.

2. Open to contacting other healthcare professionals and/or referring the patient to other healthcare professionals for additional insight. This shows an ongoing characteristic in #1 of healthcare professionals understanding their limitations and finding ways to get the patient the best care possible.

3. Compassion. This is a big one! By the time we arrive to see a specialist we might have been waiting months if not years to see them. There is a lot of pressure riding on this appointment, so having someone be compassionate is so crucial to a patient feeling heard.

4. Proper communication skills. People have all sorts of different communication styles so this can be tricky but healthcare professionals treating patients with kindness and respect via their communication skills makes it much easier for a patient to communicate what they know, what they need, etc.

5. Continual learning. There are always new things coming out here and there in the field of medicine. How can healthcare professionals learn continually? Keeping up with research from their peers and also believing their patients' experiences.

What are some things that healthcare professionals say and/or do that you really appreciate? Would love to hear your insight! 💕

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#Ad Do you not have enough time and energy to cook #Ad Do you not have enough time and energy to cook all of your meals? @wecohospitality can help! 🥰

Check out the menu on wecohospitality.com and then select which meals/what days you would like a little bit of extra help. Place your order quickly and easily!

The pricing method is super interesting: You don’t pay upfront. You receive an invoice after the meal is already delivered to you with the cost of the ingredients used and then you get to decide how much more you would like to pay for the labor. (Personally, it’s been half the cost of using any sort of food delivery service even with the suggested rates for labor.)

Use promo code “JOANNA” for free delivery all week on your first order! 💕

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What are some things that make places inaccessible What are some things that make places inaccessible to you? 

What type of changes would you like to be made? Comment below!

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#DisabilityVisibility #InvisibleDisability #ChronicIllnessWarrior
Happiness is a beautiful and oftentimes elusive th Happiness is a beautiful and oftentimes elusive thing 💕

The biggest thing that’s helped me in achieving happiness is to not always look for it. There are many other feelings that I encompass especially when dealing with the frustrations of chronic illness. I make room for all of them so that happiness can easily come when the chance presents itself.

Here are a couple of additional things I do to increase the amount of happiness in my life: (hopefully this helps you find some additional happiness too) 💕💐

1. Practice gratitude for everything that I’m grateful for, from the weather to a good meal to whatever I can do that day even if it isn’t much. Find beauty wherever you can 💛

2. Living in the present: I try to let thoughts of the past and the future pass. I love to focus on my goals but nowadays after I make future plans I focus on everything a day at a time. ⏰

3. Finding community: Surrounding yourself with the right people makes a major difference. 💛

4. Finding purpose: While my chronic illnesses affect me negatively in many ways there are so many positives such as helping me find my purpose of helping others however I can. Building community, supporting each other, etc is a beautiful thing to be a part of. 🥰

5. Practicing self-compassion: This one is probably the toughest one for me but it’s made the biggest difference. It’s so crucial to learn to be gentle with yourself. ❤️

What do you do to help increase the chance of happiness in your life? Comment below! ⬇️

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A nondisabled person can become disabled in an ins A nondisabled person can become disabled in an instant.

Nondisabled people are only one step away from becoming disabled. 

There are many accidents which can occur, such as car accidents. (Friendly reminder to not push people into pools as this can have dangerous consequences.)

We're still in a mass disabling event which is causing many chronic health issues.

Many people also may think of themselves as nondisabled but have genetic predispositions which can become disabling at some seemingly random time in the future. (Viral infections can cause these to become triggered.)

Nondisabled people can become disabled at any point. It's a reason to care about disability justice but I think the best reason is to fight for disabled people because it's important. We should care for all minorities, especially those who are at intersections of many different minorities.

Did you have a specific moment when you became disabled/started to identify as disabled? Comment below!

Personally, I've always been disabled but I didn't realize it until my "big sick" with MCAS, POTS, and EDS. How about you?

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#Sponsored Here are my top tips for you this aller #Sponsored Here are my top tips for you this allergy season:

1. Use Quercetin by @freedahealth 
2. Don’t go outside during peak pollen hours which are usually early in the morning.
3. Go outside after it has rained.
4. When you get back inside, make sure to shower right away.
5. Increase how often you change your bedding, especially your pillowcases!

What outside activity would you like to do this spring? Comment below!

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Are you tired of others assuming they know your bo Are you tired of others assuming they know your body better than you?

It's so frustrating when people tell us what we can or can't do due to our disability. 

We know our bodies best! We know if we feel up for something in the moment or if we're unable to do it. We know that pushing through leaves us with certain consequences. We know if we want to risk those consequences to push through or prefer not to do that.

It's so much more complicated than if we can do something in that moment, especially since many people live with dynamic disabilities which can change quickly. One moment we might be doing relatively great and in the next moment we might be in a flare up.

Even when other people have good intentions, we deserve the right to be listened to about our own bodies.

How do you handle people telling you what you can or can't do due to your disability? Comment below!

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#Disabled #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #hEDS #POTSSyndrome #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Dysautonomia #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain
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About Me

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My name is Joanna. I’m a 24-year-old chronically ill and disabled blogger whose goal is to help build our wonderful community.

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