Universal Design is for Everyone
Megan Long
Published in In Motion, Volume 18, June 2009
If you or someone you know is struggling to maintain his of her independence at home due to barriers created by home layout, you are not alone.
Many individuals are unable to perform typical duties such as washing dishes, getting into the bathtub, opening windows and simply migrating from room to room without some kind of assistance. Now, an exciting new concept called universal design is making life easier for everyone without sacrificing the look and value of the home.
The concept of universal design is to construct environment and products that are accessible to everyone, not just people with disabilities. Home modifications can accommodate everyone from people with mobility impairments to those with vision loss, hearing loss or even cognitive developmental disabilities. This customization process allows individuals to live life with more independence.
The Centre of Universal Design has come up with seven principles to go along with the universal design concept, equitable use perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort and size and space for approach and use. Together, these principles produce a home that provides comfort for all individuals.
Universal design has grown more popular over time due to the fact that it prevents home accidents (30-50 percent), it doesn’t have to mean compromising your home’s aesthetic appeal, and it enables all individuals to be comfortable no matter what age or disability. In fact, many people have begun planning ahead by making home modifications for when they age and lose certain aspects of mobility.
When discussing universal design and home modifications, it is important to consider your own personal needs. What do you need assistance to do or struggle to do on your own? Wheelchair users, for example, might have trouble getting through doorways, in this case, you can install special hinges to increase the width of the doorway, doorstops can be removed or a door can be removed altogether and a screen or curtain put in its place for privacy. You could also build a new doorframe altogether but that would be a bit pricier than these easier adjustments. If you are constructing a new home, however, make sure doorways are at least 36 inches wide for comfortable mobility.
Opening doors is also something that many people have trouble doing. Traditional round door knobs can now be replaced with levers or automatic door openers. Door handles and locks can also be adjusted by an electrician to a level most comfortable for an individual.
Bathroom layout is an important factor when modifying or constructing a new home. Positioning a sink, toilet and bathtub to an individual’s height should be considered. For more space, radiators can be replaced with floor heaters and smaller vanities can be installed. Bathtubs can also be replaced with stand-up or roll-in showers with grab bars on either side along with a shower bench. Arm bars should also be placed alongside the toilet for easy maneuvering. Roll-up space for the sink and or single faucet installation (necessary for those who lack hand mobility) could also be needed.
Kitchen modifications or specially construction can make cooking, dishwashing and other household activities much simpler. Lowering or raising counters and cabinets can make retrieving items easier. A Lazy Susan (rotating tray) can help make better use of cabinet space. Roll-in space can be achieved by removing cabinet areas below the kitchen sink. Removing the cabinet doors might be a less expensive option.
New adapted models of refrigerators, sinks and stoves are available. Sloping sinks, refrigerators with long handles with the freezer on the bottom and cook stoves with knee space below and front controls are all options for your kitchen. A practical tip for supervising stove tops is to place mirrors above the stove to increase visibility. Toaster or microwave ovens can also be used as alternatives to stove tops and ovens.
If you are building a new customized home suitable for all people, make sure you have wide hallways and that all the rooms (including the garage) are on one level for maximum accessibility. Ramps can be placed at the front door and in areas needed throughout the house if the home does have some sort of incline. It is also important to keep in mind that carpet in harder for wheelchair users to move around on. Tile, linoleum and wood flooring would be ideal.
Dave Regel, a universal design and home modification builder and advocate has been working in the field for 21 years. He began working in the home modification industry after he got involved doing volunteer work. “I saw a lot of people who were disabled and had trouble accessing their homes. They just couldn’t function. Some eventually just gave up.” Regel says. After witnessing this, Regel began designing homes around such people’s needs.
If you are seriously thinking about modifying your home or building a customized home, Regel has some good advice. “When working with a builder, make sure the builder knows what you need versus you having to tell them what you want.” He also advises that you meet face-to-face with builders so they can get a better idea about how they should specifically design your home.
Regel recalls a moment after he finished modifying a group home to make it accessible for six disabled individuals. “A young woman went into the bathroom, where she was able to transfer herself from her wheelchair to the toilet without any assistance,” Regel says. “She was in awe when she came out. Her dignity was given back to her because she no longer had to have someone help her use the restroom.” Regel says these moments are priceless.
Universal design and home modification can open doors of opportunity to individuals who feel like they are incapable of any kind of independence. Providing someone with this independence can be a life-changing experience for everyone.
Related resources:
The Centre for Universal Design
Dave Regel Construction
Universal Design Allliance, Inc
WheelchairNet Home Modifications
www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_living/homemod.html
Green Improvements
By Megan Long
When modifying your home, there are eco-friendly solutions you can take advantage of. These green-adjustments are cost effective and will leave a positive impact on the environment. By using natural, bio-based renewable materials you can be a conscientious consumer while improving your home.
Loose gravel, or uneven ground or areas that gather leaves and water are obstacles that can be caused by improper drainage. To solve this problem, simply redirect your drainage system using pipes to an area where people do not travel frequently. If the problem continues you can use erosion protection made out of natural, bio-degradable fibers.
Inserting a rubber stamp under the door leading to your home allows an accessible entrance. The best solution is a ramp made from recycled tyre rubber because this material is very durable and slip-resistant.
Once you enter the house you may track in water. To avoid slippage, put down a non-stick material that will adhere to the floor. Use recycled plastic with an open weave texture to help eliminate wet areas.
In the kitchen, rotating and pull-out shelves make it easier to get to needed items. Make sure these shelves do not have a low volatile organic compound (VOC) in the paint of finish. This compound is harmful to the environment. Another green alternative to standard cabinets is to place wheat board, a renewable material, on a wall to hang pots and pans for easy reach.
To make your bedroom closet more accessible, you can add multiple-level rods and shelves that will give access at every height. A bamboo clothing rod is a strong, durable solution that improves health by releasing 35 percent more oxygen than other hardwoods while providing antioxidant properties that prevent bacterial growth.
Anti-scalding locks prevent individuals from passing 110 degrees when using their sink and shower. Low energy hand-held shower heads are also simple to use and will help you save money on energy bills.