Universal Design, What is it?

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

September 15, 2010

Universal Design, What is it?

For a house that can benefit you for a lifetime consider incorporating universal design into and outside your home. Universal design is design for everyone.

 Universal design can be applied to actual home environments and the products commonly found in the home. It simply means the home and the items in the home assist residents to maintain independence and wellbeing at home, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

 In the book Universal Design, the authors state there are four main universal design ideas. Universal design must be supportive, adaptable, accessible and safety oriented.

 According to the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, universal design strives to make home environments accessible to all for little or no additional costs.

 “Since universal design is for everyone, all ages and ability levels benefit,” Peek said. “For example, everyone from children to the elderly appreciate counters with rounded corners. Rounded corners may mean fewer bumps for all ages. The clutter on the floor that may trip elders might also trip parents with children in their arms.”

 When making the changes, think about both the inside and outside of the home. Take a tour of your home room by room and apply the principles of universal design.

 Peek recommends the following low and no-cost universal design features.

 Supportive:

• Consider increased lighting needs when replacing light bulbs.
• Replace light switches with rocker-type switches.
• Reduce glare on horizontal surfaces, such as floors and countertops. This can be done by adjusting lighting or using textured surfaces where applicable.

 Adaptable:

·         Adaptable design refers to anything that is adjusted easily such as an ergonomic chair. You can adjust some door closers to make them easier to open.

·         Some adaptable features may be built into the home during construction or renovation. For example, supportive structure for bathroom grab bars can be installed without installing the bars themselves. When the bars are needed, they can be put into place easily. 

Accessible;

·         Store frequently used or items that children need on low shelves.

·         Put a “package shelf” outside entrance to the home; this way you can set things down to free your hands while you enter or exit your home.

·         Consider lever-style handles instead of knobs; levers are easier to open for children, people with arthritis and when your hands are full.

 Safety oriented:

·         Remove clutter.

·         Rearrange or remove belongings to eliminate overcrowding.

·         Make travel paths free of barriers.

·         Consider increased lighting needs when replacing bulbs.

·         Consider rounded corners when purchasing or replacing countertops, tables, etc.

 “By implementing universal design into your household, your family and everyone who visits your home will have the benefits of comfort and safety,” Peek said.

Schedule

Wednesday, September 15 – Personal Leave

Thursday, September 16 – Divide County

Friday, September 17 – Burke County

Monday, September 20 – Friday, September 24 – Portland, Maine