Universal Design “... when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone.

Demographics Older adults and people with disabilities were a small minority in the early 1900s Today – 40 million Americans are over age 65 – 4 million Americans are over age 85 More people living with disability (in 1994) –53.9 million Americans had disability –26.0 million Americans had severe disability The trend toward an older and more disabled population continues

Federal Legislation The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) –Required all facilities receiving federal funding to be accessible to people with disabilities The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) –Made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability –Applied to federal agencies, public universities, federal contractors, and other activities receiving federal funds Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA) –Required multifamily projects with four or more dwelling units to be accessible per the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines

Federal Legislation Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) –Requires barrier-free access to state and local government projects, commercial facilities, and public accommodations –Physical barriers that impede access must be removed –ADA Standards for Accessible Design are enforceable

Universal Design "Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Center for Universal Design

Universal Design Broad spectrum design that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities Requires sensitivity and knowledge about individuals of all ages and abilities Recognizes the importance of all-inclusive solutions

Principles of Universal Design Equitable Use –The design is useful and marketable to individuals with diverse abilities (not just the disabled) Flexibility of Use –The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities Simple and Intuitive Use –Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level

Principles of Universal Design Perceptible Information –The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities Tolerance for Error –The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or intended actions

Principles of Universal Design Low Physical Effort –The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue Size and Space for Approach and Use –Appropriate size and space is provided regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility

Universal Design Home Features Room layout that allows wheelchair access and space to enter and close door Wide interior doorways (36 inches) and passages (42 inches) Switches and controls located at accessible heights (44 – 48 inches) Phone jacks and electrical outlets at accessible heights (min. 18 inches) Easy to use appliances: –front load washer and dryer –cook tops with front controls

Universal Design Home Features Accessible entrance –No-steps entrance –Porch or overhang for protection from weather –Accessible path from street, sidewalk, and/or drive Istockphoto.com®

Universal Design Home Features Wall reinforcing for grab bars in bathrooms – for future needs Adaptable cabinets –Provide open space beneath sinks –Provide open space below counter for workspace in kitchen Accessible bathroom layout Istockphoto.com®

Sources The Center for Universal Design. (1997). The principles of universal design (Version 2.0). Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University.

Learning Activities: Activity 1 In small groups students will brainstorm the following: 1-Any lifespan-related changes already made to their homes UD features present in their house 2-Home modifications and UD features that are likely to be needed later if their parent(s) want to age in place OR if frail, 85-yr-old Great Grandma moves in when your widowed, retired mother is 65 years old 3-How they might convince their families to adopt UD and home modifications as positive, preventive medicine (assuming the features were either affordable or could be added as do-it-yourself projects). Groups will report and discuss their findings

FUTURISTIC PROBLEM-SOLVING: Given Americans' tendencies to think that the Technology Bailout will solve society's great problems, brainstorm both positive AND negative responses to the following question: By the year 3000 (your lifetime plus part of YOUR children's), will health advances and high gero-technology make UD products for older adults unnecessary or obsolete? Why/not? If so, how? It's NOT a trick question Bit could happen! We suggest that you NOT try to wing it on this answer. Surf up some ideas by starting with LINKS from this lesson, which hopefully lead to useful others.

Activity 2 OUTCOME-BASED ASSESSMENT: ANALYZE HOME PLAN FOR LIFETIME LIVING: Evaluate the single- family floor plan below, area by area (living, sleeping, and service zones), including specific UD features that could make the aging process easier as a composite case study household moves through the life cycle from newlyweds to a 70-Something widow OR widower living there alone. Groups will be assigned different states, plus rural, suburban, central city, or active adult community setting.