Accessibility and Universal Design

There is a strong connection between accessible, barrier-free environments and sustainability. As a home ages so do its occupants and over time a new focus on functionality may be required. Taking the opportunity to plan ahead for your family’s needs for comfort, safety and flexibility is a resource efficient decision in line with the principles of sustainable design.

Taking this one step further, Universal Design considers the full range of occupants including adults, children, the elderly, and both temporarily or permanently disabled individuals. Universal homes look good and work well for all users. They need not result in different or clinical looking features. They offer a practical, affordable and attractive environment now and for the life of the home, while adding to its resale value.

Features of Universal Design

Features of universal design usually have one thing in common: they can be used by anybody regardless of ability or disability. They are often standard features or products that have been placed differently, selected carefully or omitted all together. Electrical outlets can be raised to be more easily reached, wider doors can be selected and steps at entrances and between rooms eliminated to provide wheelchair access.

Other features include:

• Lever door hardware not only benefits disabled persons but anyone coming home with arms full of groceries or packages.
• Adjustable storage space benefits persons of different heights and abilities.
• Counters and cabinets designed to provide wheelchair access.
• Roll in or walk in showers with seats provide access to all persons and can be easier to clean.
• Grab bar backing in walls at toilet and shower areas during a remodel for ease of future installation of grab bars.

"The overwhelming preference of older persons is to age in place; that is, to remain in their homes as they grow older. It is essential that residences be designed to be safe, comfortable and accommodating to persons of all ages but particularly to those that are faced with diminishing physical abilities which make daily domestic routines difficult to manage. Universal design is a concept that will enable older people to remain in their homes as they would wish." - Cyril F. Brickfield, Former executive director of AARP

At Sacramento Building Performance we draw inspiration from The 7 Principles of Universal Design© by the Center for Universal Design at the North Carolina University School of Design.

Call Sacramento Building Performance at 916-416-0676, or e-mail us at info@sacsustainable.com, to schedule an in home appointment to discuss solutions to enhance your homes safety and functionality.