"Playing house" is one of most children's favorite pastimes, especially when the weather is perfect enough to spend hours at a time in an outdoor playhouse. All the neighborhood children gather and want to play except for one of the children. This child is confined to a wheelchair and simply can't fit inside the tiny plastic playhouse. Instead we have to play "house" on the patio or play other games. Although we try to accommodate this friend's wheelchair, it is bothersome that this friend could not share my special playhouse.
Over a decade later, the confined spaces of playhouses everywhere are giving way to universally designed playgrounds and spaces. Universal Design (UD) is largely defined as the process of creating products that are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities. Simply put, it is moving beyond making specific things adequately accessible. Now barriers are being removed completely and seamlessly by creating flowing spaces that can be utilized by any person with or without assistance regardless of age or ability. It is making life simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.
Having evolved from the Accessible Design Movement of the 1970's to The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Universal Design of today has moved beyond public spaces and into the ranch style home plans of the average homeowner. It is not necessarily a movement, science, or a unique lifestyle, though those are popular ways of defining UD, rather it is a constantly evolving awareness of the need to provide usability to a greater extent. The average home in the United States is best suited for a a6'2" male around 25 years of age. Because of that, people have adapted themselves to these ill-fitting environments. However, Universal Design is better able to equip our homes to our needs. With life expectancies increasing world wide, now more than ever, people have the desire to age gracefully in their homes. Additionally, the average homeowner wants greater convenience, time efficiency and features that will integrate comfort and security.
Integrating Universal Design into your colonial home plan is not difficult. Start by simply reevaluating your home environment. Think about your every day tasks and what would make them easier for your family. Do you have a bad back that revolts every time the dishwasher needs emptying? What about when you trip on the front stoop every time you come home after dark? There are solutions to these common frustrations. Try incorporating slight design alterations such as the following into your home:
Installing front loading washers, dryers, and pull out dishwashers reduces strain and increases accessibility. Add efficient lighting: pathways, dedicated task spaces, nightlights, touch lights or rocker switches. Create a safe sloping walkway allowing seamless movement from the driveway to the interior of a home without the need to take a step. Make entrance spaces at least 5'x 5' and doors 36-inch wide for uninhibited movement. Purchase and install fire alarms/smoke detectors that flash, as well as sound, to ensure awareness regardless of sight or hearing abilities. Lever handles on doors or faucets and 'D' and 'C' shaped handles on drawers/pull-outs increase manageability. Walk-in tubs and barrier free shower floors are safer and expand usability. Grab bars can be located anywhere in the home without detracting from the decor. Knee spaces under counters increases comfort and convenience when attending to tasks.
Adjustable heights for any household items (ex: closet rods, counter tops, shower heads). High color contrasting increases visibility (ex: counter tops from counter edges). Ovens and cooktops with front controls prevent the need to reach over hot surfaces during use.
These are just a few of the many Universal Design concepts readily available for home use. After reviewing these ideas and evaluating your home, you may want to speak with your contractor about incorporating Universal Design. Your design professional may have further suggestions and can help you contact a User-Expert Designer. A Universal Design User-Expert is someone who is well acquainted with Universal Design and can discuss with you what concepts would likely benefit your lifestyle the most. User-Experts consult regularly with parents of small children, those living with disabilities of varying degrees, elderly involved with the Independent Living Movement, or anyone who uses and benefits from Universal Design. User-Experts continually working for the advancement of Universal Design into standard craftsman style home plans and can be extremely beneficial to your design process.
Flexibility is the most important aspect of Universal Design. Remember that technologies are always evolving and your lifestyle is similarly inclined to change at a moment's notice. Universal Design allows your home to transition with you as life happens rather than forcing you to work around frustrating barriers.
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