UNIVERSAL DESIGN JUST MAKES SENSE
 

The world is now much different than it was 100 years ago. People live longer and survive better. Those who are functionally limited by age or disability are no longer a silent majority. Facilities, devices, programs and services must be designed to serve this increasingly diverse group of consumers. The concept of practically providing access and inclusion for everyone, of all abilities is called "Universal Design."
Universal design generally adds little or no cost to a construction budget. The increased value comes from thoughtful planning. It pays practically for the homeowner to build using universal design. When someone is taking on the project of new home construction or remodeling their existing home they are usually interested in developing the property for their long-term use.
Life is very uncertain. Our practical circumstances can change at a moment¹s notice due to accidents, illness and many other factors. We do not want to be forced out of our home or forced into an expensive remodeling project when we have experienced some trauma in our lives. A little thoughtful planning can make all the difference.
We do know, that the longer we have the good fortune of living on this earth, the more assistance we are likely to need to keep the current level of comfort, utility and independence in our own homes. It makes good sense to plan for the future, for ourselves and for our loved ones, when making a big construction investment. Extra utility will add to our project's resale value as well. It is just smart to insist on the implementation of universal design concepts right at the beginning of any construction project.
It pays financially for the contractor to build using universal design. Any time you can add value to a project without adding cost, you have a good business deal. Building to serve a larger percent of the population will make your project more valuable than the one down the street that was constructed without accessibility features. The demand for housing to meet specialized needs is on the rise. Construction professionals with universal design knowledge will find themselves in increased demand. In our society, increased demand usually rewards itself with increased income.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers these tips for people planning a remodel with universal-design elements in mind. In the kitchen, access to storage, closet, and counter space should be easy and unencumbered. A lazy Susan or corner swing-out shelf, plan drawer, or rollouts are simple solutions for hard-to-reach cabinet items. Consider lower cabinets for less reaching but a raised dishwasher to minimize bending. Oven controls may be placed in front to prevent reaching over hot surfaces.
Many simple options make a bathroom¹s shower easier to use: wide entry with no steps; adjustable-height showerhead; mobile, hand-held showerhead unit; and a shower seal. Grab bars, which come in various colors and styles, are also useful.
Front-mounted faucets can prevent stretching to check water temperature. ADA recommends offset controls for bathtubs, showers, and other fixtures; this entails moving the controls closer to the outside of the fixture for increased accessibility.
Removing vanity cabinets from beneath the sink and adding supports are useful to increase knee space. An adjustable, wall-mounted mirror angles forward for wheelchair users, and a slightly raised toilet seat may lessen the strain of transferring from a wheelchair or sitting down.
Steps at the door and garage entrances can prove difficult or dangerous. Entries level with the ground make mobility smooth and worry-free. Ramps are another option but require careful thought and planning. Before installing them, consider security, other household members, maintenance, appearance, and property market value.
Household controls ­ including thermostats, outlets, switches, and window hardware ­ are crucial to the effective universal-design layout. These items should be within a reasonable range of reach and require minimal dexterity. Rocker switches or those that can be pushed on and off may be a helpful alternative to conventional toggle switches. Appliances with small switches can pose a problem, remedied by plugging the unit into an outlet controlled by a wall switch.
Awning windows, or top-hinged ones, are most user-friendly due to the placement of locks and cranks on the sill rather than on hard-to-reach window sides or crossbars. Lower placement of windows will help children or wheelchair users see outside with less strain.
As with any remodeling project, however, individualized needs may supercede any recommended adjustments. While many suggestions exist for creating a universally sound environment, it is crucial to address personalized requirements when undertaking such a project. Even a remodeler, experienced with universal design, must tail a project's specifications to suit the client¹s needs.
Homeowners should keep in mind the following basic principles when planning a remodel that incorporates universal design:
- Is it equitable? Does it accommodate any user?
- Does it have flexibility? Can it be used by people with a wide range of abilities?
- Is it simple and intuitive ­ easy to understand and figure out?
- Does it provide perceptible information ­ i.e., communicate efficiently to users?
- Is there tolerance for error? Is it safe and does it minimize consequences of accidents?
- Does it involve low physical effort? Can it be used without strenuous exertion?
These are a few ideas to get you started. There are plenty more. The current generation of children, baby boomers entering middle age, older adults, and people with disabilities deserve the respect provided in barrier free living. Some great organizations and professionals are getting behind the move to implement universal design in everyday living applications.
One resource for universal design is right here in Truckee. Jon Traeger, owner of Norwegian Wood Construction, has taken universal design seriously. He is actively attempting to educate others in the industry while implementing these useful strategies into his own projects. For more information on this fascinating subject, Jon can be reached at (530) 587-7572 or visit his web site at www.norwegianwoodconstruction.com.

A portion of the above article was reprinted from a longer, more detailed article in the September 2003 issue of the PN/Paraplegia News with their permission. Copyright 2003, Paralyzed Veterans of America. Visit their web site at www.pnnews.com