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    Universal Design For Aging in Place

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    Patrick Roden
    Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent of universal design is to enhance the quality of life for all of us, regardless of age or ability.

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    Universal Design For Aging in Place

    Uploaded by

    Patrick Roden
    109 views3 pages
    Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent of universal design is to enhance the quality of life for all of us, regardless of age or ability.

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    Universal Design for Aging in Place

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    Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent of universal design is to enhance the quality of life for all of us, regardless of age or ability.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    109 views3 pages

    Universal Design For Aging in Place

    Uploaded by

    Patrick Roden
    Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent of universal design is to enhance the quality of life for all of us, regardless of age or ability.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Universal Design for Aging in Place

    By Patrick Roden RN, PhD

    Accessible design is good design.


    -Steve Ballmer

    For most boomers our first encounter with Universal Design came in the form of
    either cut-curbs or automatic doors. I can recall as a young man the fascination I had
    with the first “automatic door” at the Richie's market up the street. Stepping on the
    heavy black floor mat and watching the thick cord pull the door open was like
    opening a portal to the future...look mom no hands!

    Universal Design
    Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to
    usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation
    or specialization. The intent of universal design is to enhance the quality of life for
    all of us, regardless of age or ability.

    The elegance of Universal design is that it’s now invisible and non-stigmatizing (that
    wasn’t always the case). The design is so intuitive the experience is often effortless.
    Next time you walk through an automatic door think “the universal design effect."
    Much of the built environment is created with challenges to users regardless of
    ability—the “handicap” often comes from dealing with it.

    "Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all


    people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptations or
    special design."
    -Ron Mace
     
    7 Principles of Universal Design
    1. Equitable Use - The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of
    users and is marketable to people with diverse abilities.
    2. Flexibility in Use - The design accommodates a wide range of individual
    preferences (i.e., L/R handed) and abilities; provides choice in methods of
    use.
    3. 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; eliminates unnecessary complexity.
    4. Perceptible Information - The design communicates necessary information
    effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory
    abilities; uses pictures, audible, or tactical methods.
    5. Tolerance for Error - The design minimizes hazards and the adverse
    consequences of accidental or unintended fatigue; elements most used
    should be most accessible, or fail-safe features included.
    6. Low Physical Effort - The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and
    with a minimum of fatigue.
    7. Appropriate Size and Space - The appropriate size and space is provided
    for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size,
    posture, or mobility.

    Aging in Place with UD


    Aging in place and Universal Design are two concepts often linked together. A home
    with Universal Design features is set up for life-span living; an environment which
    will accommodate all stages of life.

    5 TIPS FOR A UNIVERSAL DESIGN HOME


    1. Adapt main floor of the home for one level living: No-step entry,
    bathroom and bedroom / Kitchen and laundry on main floor
    2. Widen doorways to 36″ w/ offset hinges on doors: Doorways are often
    too narrow for walkers and wheelchairs (or someone carrying packages) so
    widening them is a plus for all
    3. Install hand-held shower heads and grab bars: Hand-held shower heads
    and grab bars are some of the least expensive changes you can make and are
    a great help to those with balance problems
    4. Use lever handles on doors and plumbing fixtures: Hand strength can be
    an issue with all ages–using a simple lever eliminates the struggle with
    operating doorknobs and faucets
    5. Use “comfort height” toilets: Many people suffer from osteoporosis,
    arthritis, or temporary injuries and find it hard to stand up from a normal
    height toilet–a higher toilet (or toilet chair that fits over the existing toilet)
    helps fix this challenge
    If you love your home and community and plan on aging in place, then consider
    incorporating Universal Design elements into your next remodel or new
    construction.  Visit http://www.aginginplace.com to learn more.

    See
    Delta Universal Design Inspired
    Universal Design Pioneer: Why Design Still Excludes Many 
    The Green Mountain Ranch
    FabCab
    IDeA Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
    The RL Mace Universal Design Institute
    Paralyzed Bride: Wheelchair Accessibility
    (Photo deltafaucet.com)

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