Why Universal Design?

The Department of Justice (DOJ), responsible for the American's with Disabilities Act Standards, governs accessibility standards in public buildings.  Four years ago the DOJ announced their intentions to update the standards and in June of 2008 they took the next step toward the updates.

Yet, who is responsible for the accessibility of single family residences?  The home owner.  Typically, as home buyers we look for our dream home.  We look for good schools or shopping close by or recreation.  When our offer is accepted and we sign for ownership of our home we have invested in our future.  We faithfully make upgrades to our new property so it will fit our lifestyle.  But what happens when something alters our lifestyle?  What happens when our life changes?

It is the story of thousands of people.  Our houses were not planned with drastic life changes in mind.  Thus were born the principles of Universal Design.

7 Principles of Universal Design

According to the Center for Universal Design the seven principals of Universal Design, as created by Ron Mace and a group of designers and advocates are:

1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the users experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level.

4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions

6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility (NC State University).

When these principles are applied to single-family residences they provide beautiful, accessible, adaptable homes which seamlessly provide for our needs.