I don't think her issue is getting the elevation to reach into the tank, I think its more of an issue of arm length to reach the bottom once she gets high enough to get over the rim. I will assume you were smart enough to think of the step stool on your own when that first problem arose.
As far as actually cleaning up down there I think Gm gave you the best answer so far. A magnetic scraper will give you the best advantage on cleaning up the viewing panels. He is right on the money when he suggested trying to simply 'skim' across the top of the sandbed rather than poke into it to grab anything.
If you are using one of the Python vacuum hoses then the suction is probably a little too slow to be very effective for cleaning the sand. You might consider using my own method for this: go out and get a 1/4" or 1/2" (inside diameter) length of clear rubber hose and use that to syphon off the sandbed. The smaller diameter will create a much stronger suction so you will need to be a little more careful not to get as close to the sandbed or you'll suck out the sand along with the debris. But the good side is that with the stronger suction you won't need to get as close to pick up the trash.
As far as cleaning the LR goes the 1/4" ~ 3/4" tube will work just as well in this area. If cleaning off hair algae is your concern then you might consider getting a lawnmower blenny, or a variety of snails to add to your cleanup crew. These guys should keep growth to a minimum and free you up from the worry.
HTH,
Aaron
.... for the 1st cleaning it was ok, but i noticed that my gravel is too fine and gets sucked up in the vac. its the good stuff (cant remember what its called at the moment) so i dont want to loose to much. does anyone have any good advice on how to clean my tank/gravel? 
but since no one has invented a way to do that yet i will just have to keep thinking of ways to keep this tank flowing smoothly!
