Independence Empowerment Center

Universal Design is the concept of building a home designed specifically to fit the needs of people with disabilities.  It captures two main ideas:  (1) fulfilling the practical needs of people with disabilities and, (2) portraying a visually pleasing design in their own homes.  Deriving from the idea of being “barrier free,” universal design homes are built to avoid the need for adaptation or customized modifications that can often be costly to people with disabilities.  There are a certain set of guidelines or principles that Universal Design homes follow.  They are:

• Equitable use - providing for the widest range of disabilities as possible, therefore, not segregating or leaning toward any particular disability.

• Flexibility - while keeping in step with equitable use, also combining with the liking of the current user of the house, in regards to personal preference and ability i.e. is he/she a left or right hand user.
• Simplicity in use - this should eliminate unnecessary complexity but at the same time accommodating a wide range of language skills.
• Perceptible Information - the design communicates effectively to the user regardless of surrounding environment or the user’s sensory abilities.  Devices should be made to accommodate various disabilities.
• Tolerance for Error - the design minimizes hazards and the consequences of accidental or unintended actions which means to provide the most accessible path possible.  If not possible, hazard warnings should be displayed that are easily communicable to the user.
• Low Physical Effort - the design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum amount of effort.  Also, a minimum amount of repetitive actions and physical effort should be applied.  Examples include a no-step entry and good lighting for people with poor vision.
• Size and Space for Approach and Use - appropriate size and space is made available for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.  Grip size on door handles and lower thermostats are examples of this.

Dr. Edward Steinfeld, one of the leading architects of the Universal Design concept, is now re-visiting the design along with younger interested participants who have come to know his 10 year work on these principles.  He hopes to expand these principles to include a wider spectrum of people in order to create the most ideal system for all disabilities.

Please call us at IEC for any more information on Universal Design.  And don’t forget…there is still time to visit the Universal Design Demonstration home in Bristow, VA.  Take a free tour with a group or by yourself.  The house is open to the public until March 31.  Call for reservations or more information at (703) 792-6400 or visit their website at www.pwcgov.org/ud.

from Winter 2007 Newsletter, Volume 2 Issue 1