Transcript Universal Design - Housing Education and Research Association

Welcome to...
Companion
PowerPoint
Presentation for the
Introduction to
Housing textbook
Universal Design:
Application
Evolution
It has developed over the years through
several major movements:

Changing demographics of age & disability
--Human lifespan has increased from
47 to 78
--More people are living with disability
(53.9 million Americans have some
form of disability)
Assistive
technology
Devices for personal use created
specifically to enhance the abilities of
people with disabilities
Barrier-free
design
Barrier removal specifically for
the purpose of accommodating
people with disabilities

Accessible design
Built-in features in the environment to
enable people to reach & use facilities

Fair Housing Amendments Act

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
None of these movements cover private
single-family housing, although the design
standards can be applied if wanted

Universal design is a philosophy that can
be applied to housing

Basic questions about housing:
Can visitors get in the house?
Can visitors get through the doorways?
Can visitors use the bathroom?

Easy-visiting home or Visitability
Premises of Universal Design
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Varying ability is a common characteristic
of being human
If a design works well for people with
disabilities it works better for everyone
Usability & aesthetics are mutually
compatible
Personal self-esteem, identity & well-being
are affected by our ability to function in
our physical surroundings
7 Principles of Universal Design

Equitable use
The design is useful & marketable to
people with diverse abilities
--Multiple-height counters
--Non-slip cutting surfaces
--Wider interior doorways

Flexibility in use
The design accommodates a wide
range of individual preferences &
abilities
--Pull-out pantries & drawers
--Railings down both sides of the stairs
--Curbless shower

Simple & intuitive use
Use of the design is easy to
understand, regardless of the user’s
experience, knowledge, language skills
or current concentration level
--Stepless entrance
--Offset water controls in the shower &
tub

Perceptible information
The design communicates necessary
information effectively to the user,
regardless of ambient conditions or the
user’s sensory abilities
--Large dial on thermostat & telephone

Tolerance for error
The design minimizes hazards & the
adverse consequences of accidental or
unintended actions
--Crank or power-operated counter system
--Texturized lever handles

Low physical effort
The design can be used efficiently &
comfortably & with a minimum of
fatigue
--Lever door handles
--Light switches 44-48”
--Electrical outlets 18”
--Removable cabinet fronts
--Front-loading washer & dryer

Size & space for approach & use
Appropriate size & space is provided
for approach, reach, manipulation &
use regardless of user’s body size,
posture or mobility
--Entry door of 36” minimum width
--Interior doors of 32” clearance
--Hallway width of 42” minimum
Application: Bathroom
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Hand-held adjustable
shower head
Faucet controls off-set for
easy reaching from outside tub
Anti-scald controls
Lowered mirror
Non-slip flooring
Removable base cabinet
front
Continuous flooring
under lavatory
Raised toilet
Benefits of Universal Design
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Easy to use, convenient & safe
Emotionally supportive
Integrated into overall design of house
Cost effective
Current Status: Policy
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Builder requirements for housing built with a
public subsidy—requiring visitability features
Builder requirements for incentives for
unsubsidized housing—Easy Living Home
certificate program
Tax or fee incentives to the consumer—rebates
or reductions in fees
Consumer awareness campaigns—consumers
can select & pay for universal design features of
their choice