Universal Design “. . . when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone. Civil Engineering and Architecture © 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 The demographics of the American population (and that of the world) is changing. In the early 1900s, the average human lifespan was 47 years. Most people with chronic conditions or major disabilities lived in nursing institutions. Today people are living longer and often live relatively normal lives despite illness or disability. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Federal Legislation The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Federal Legislation Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 The intent of Universal Design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communication, and the build environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages (The Center for Universal Design at http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/about_ud.htm). Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential 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 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Principles of Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 The Center for Universal Design at NC State University first developed the concept of universal design. Provide students with a copy of The Principles of Universal Design Poster – NC State University Center for Universal Design, College of Design. After each principle is presented, direct students to consider the examples of the principle on the poster and suggest other examples of the principle. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Principles of Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Principles of Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Home Features Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 homes look like typical homes but are easier to use, safer, and more convenient. When universal features are incorporated during design, little cost is added to the project. Most universal features can be incorporated using standard construction methods, carefully selected products, and more open spaces. Simply locating components differently can create a more adaptable environment (e.g., locating light switches and phone jacks at heights that are convenient to more individuals). Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Home Features Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Universal Design Home Features Accessible entrance No-steps entrance Porch or overhang for protection from weather Accessible path from street, sidewalk, and/or drive Some universal design features require a modified construction approach. The photo on the left shows a home entrance that incorporates a step – a barrier to wheelchairs and the elderly. The image on the right pictures a house that has a ramp to allow easy access by all. Unconventional construction techniques, such as earth berms and bridges, can be used to provide an entrance without steps. Istockphoto.com® Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Home Features Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design 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 Some universal design features require a modified construction approach. This photo shows a home entrance that incorporates a step – a barrier to wheelchairs and the elderly. Unconventional construction techniques, such as earth berms and bridges, can be used to provide an entrance without steps. Reinforcing the walls in bathrooms with blocking and plywood or OSB sheets will allow secure attachment of grab bars at multiple locations. The ability for people using wheelchairs to pull up underneath sinks is important. Knee space under sinks and under countertop work areas in the kitchen can be provided by omitting lower cabinets, providing removable cabinets, or installing retractable cabinet doors. Istockphoto.com® Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Universal Design Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Sources The Center for Universal Design. (1997). The principles of universal design (Version 2.0). Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010