Welcome to... 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 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 Assistive technology Devices for personal use created specifically to enhance the abilities of people with disabilities Barrier-free design Barrier-free design Barrier removal specifically for the purpose of accommodating people with disabilities

Accessible design Accessible design Built-in features in the environment to enable people to reach & use facilities Fair Housing Amendments Act Fair Housing Amendments Act Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 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 Universal design is a philosophy that can be applied to housing Basic questions about 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 Easy-visiting home or Visitability

Premises of Universal Design Varying ability is a common characteristic of being human Varying ability is a common characteristic of being human If a design works well for people with disabilities it works better for everyone If a design works well for people with disabilities it works better for everyone Usability & aesthetics are mutually compatible Usability & aesthetics are mutually compatible Personal self-esteem, identity & well-being are affected by our ability to function in our physical surroundings Personal self-esteem, identity & well-being are affected by our ability to function in our physical surroundings

7 Principles of Universal Design Equitable use 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 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 Simple & intuitive use Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level --Stepless entrance --Offset water controls in the shower & tub

Perceptible information Perceptible information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities --Large dial on thermostat & telephone

Tolerance for error 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 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 Size & space for approach & use Appropriate size & space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation & use regardless of user’s 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 Hand-held adjustable shower head Faucet controls off-set for Faucet controls off-set for easy reaching from outside tub Anti-scald controls 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 Easy to use, convenient & safe Emotionally supportive Emotionally supportive Integrated into overall design of house Integrated into overall design of house Cost effective Cost effective

Current Status: Policy Builder requirements for housing built with a public subsidy—requiring visitability features Builder requirements for housing built with a public subsidy—requiring visitability features Builder requirements for incentives for unsubsidized housing—Easy Living Home certificate program Builder requirements for incentives for unsubsidized housing—Easy Living Home certificate program Tax or fee incentives to the consumer—rebates or reductions in fees 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 Consumer awareness campaigns—consumers can select & pay for universal design features of their choice