If one or more of your doors are difficult to open because they are excessively heavy or the landings are small, you may want to install automatic door openers. A simple system of pulleys and weights as shown in the illustration may be a satisfactory solution for doors where access is a problem. Electro-mechanical openers that plug into an electrical outlet and are operated from a remote button or sensor are effective for many installations. For information about the availability of these products, refer to the Resources chapter. Pneumatic systems like those at supermarkets require compressors and piping, and are generally much more expensive than the electromechanical systems mentioned above.
Automatic operators are available for sliding or swinging doors.
Refer to the Resources chapter, for the names of manufacturers. If you plan to modify or replace doors for better accessibility, remember that several types of doors may be suitable. Swinging doors are the most common, but they require landings on both sides. Sliding doors are often useful when space is limited, but their weight and lateral movement can cause problems for some disabled people. And some sliding doors require a floor track that can create a tripping or wheeling problem for some individuals.