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

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Sources

The Center for Universal Design. (1997). The principles of universal design (Version 2.0). Raleigh, NC:

North Carolina State University.