Is Your Project a DIY or Professional's Task?

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459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

When considering remodeling any part of your home, most people debate whether to make it a DIY project (do it yourself) or hire a professional. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has much advice to share with those who are considering DIY projects.

NARI recently polled consumers are found that 40% of people report that the largest determining factor in deciding between hiring a professional or DIY is cost. The second largest consideration is the project type and knowing how to do it at 30% and not far behind at 25% is the level of difficulty.

NARI reports that it is extremely important for consumers to consider all options before starting a DIY project in order to avoid disaster. Some of the most important factors for homeowners to consider include physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be done. Often times, individuals underestimate the difficulty level of a project they want to take on and also the time it will take to complete it. It is also important to plan your project from beginning to end, including cost for all materials.

A Robot Who Sense What a Stroke Victim Wants

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914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

Fifteen years ago, Cathy Hutchinson suffered a stroke and hasn’t been able to do much on her own without the assistance of her caregiver, until now. Hutchinson allowed scientists to place a small chip on her motor cortex in 2005 that would allow for a robot to sense what she wanted.

Thanks to this new technology, Hutchinson was able to take a sip of her coffee by simply just thinking about doing so. The robotic prosthetic can be completely controlled by the mind and even more, can revolutionize how those individuals who are paralyzed interact and in any given environment.

Although the new technology has a long way to go and many alterations are still to be made, this is a great start. Researcher’s main concern is safety. Nature reported that seven people have received the implant and thus far, none of them have experienced any adverse side effects.

Researchers are extremely optimistic about the future and hold many plans in regard to this new technology. They’re hoping one day that they develop wireless systems that require no surgery at all and they’d also like to get rid of the robots altogether. Also, they want to help paralyzed individuals to use technology to move their own limbs again! 

The Dispute of New Regulations Requiring Public Pools to Install Lifts

ADA LIFESTYLES

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

With summer and pool season quickly approaching, the dispute of a new regulation that requires all hotel and recreations centers that have public pools and spas is to install or order permanent lifts to better assist individuals with disabilities is becoming quite the battle.

To renovate certain pools and spas and insert the lifts, it can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $6,500 plus installation fees. All renovations were supposed to be completed by May 21^st. The new requirement for pools and spas could also be settled by adding a pool ramp; however, they are much more expensive. Many hotel owners want to improve pool access, but need the regulation deadline to be extended.

The new regulation was presented by Congress in March and agreed that if pool owners couldn’t comply with permanent lifts or other sources of access, they could buy portable lifts and delay implementation for 12 months.  Congress also informed any hotel owners who do not follow these regulations will be faced with many lawsuits.

Many individuals with disabilities want to be treated equally, fairly and be acknowledged.

New ADA Guidelines Promotes Access to Pools & Beaches!

ADA LIFESTYLES

459 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley NY 10502

914-231-6107 / ADALifestyles.com

New guidelines for construction under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became effective March 15, 2012. Many hoteliers are still confused about what this means for their pools. This new law would require more than 50,000 hotels and any other “public” pools in the United States to instill a type of lift to assist persons with disabilities.

 These changes are also applicable to hot tubs or whirlpools of the facility has one. These regulations apply to parks, condominiums and community pools that provide services to the public. Pool lifts can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000, according to a recent USA Today article. Any new pools being constructed in hotels or public places are automatically being built with these changes included. 

Some hotels who are unhappy about applying these changes have threatened to close their pools if the Department of Justice (DOJ) cannot clarify the unanswered questions regarding the type of lift, installation requirements, and alternative access methods such as ramps. 

To read the full article about the New ADA Guidelines published by StarNews, click HERE.