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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

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 & wellbeing 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 users
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
users 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 users body size,
posture or mobility
--Entry door of 36 minimum width
--Interior doors of 32 clearance
--Hallway width of 42 minimum

Application: Bathroom

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

Easy to use, convenient & safe

Emotionally supportive
Integrated into overall design of
house
Cost effective

Current Status: Policy

Builder requirements for housing built with

a public subsidyrequiring visitability
features
Builder requirements for incentives for
unsubsidized housingEasy 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