Table 2: Universal Design Principles Principle Definition
Example
Brightly colored bump dot on the stove: Both the color contrast and the tactile cue provides location information of a desired setting or switch to the chef. The person can locate the switch setting through visual or tactile cues. Rocker light switches: The large switch plate can trigger the light without as much precision or force as a regular toggle light switch. Comfort-height toilets: The higher commode reduces pain and fatigue on knees and is more comfortable for many people to use.
4. Perceptible information
Design gives important information to the person, regardless of his or her abilities.
5. Tolerance for error Design can still be used successfully even if not manipulated as intended. 6. Low physical effort Will cause a minimum amount of fatigue and is efficient and comfortable to use.
7. Size and space for approach and use Bathrooms with the 5” turning radius: People with wheelchairs and walkers as well as those without mobility impairments can access the commode. Note. Adapted from North Carolina State University. (2016). The center for universal design. Retrieved from https://projects.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/ design/sod5/cud LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES People can access and use the device/environment regardless of personal attributes.
Fair Housing Act The Fair Housing Act is an important piece of legislation in regard to home modifications. While there are rare exceptions based on the type of housing, the Fair Housing Act ensures that people cannot be discriminated against based on age or disability. There are additional protections in the Act that allow for home modifications. A landlord may not refuse to house based on disability or need for modifications. A landlord also may not deny the implementation of reasonable modifications to individual units and common areas, provided it does not affect the value of the property. The owner is not required to pay for the modifications and is allowed to request that the property be returned to its previous state upon vacancy. Newer buildings with more than four units and an elevator must now have kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, and elevators that are wheelchair accessible. They must also have reinforced walls in the bathrooms for potential grab bar installation. If there is no elevator in the building, then the ground-floor units must follow these guidelines. However, if an older adult is living in an older condominium building without an elevator and needs to make modifications, the landlord must allow it (Castro, 2016). Building codes Building codes vary by municipality and can come into conflict with aging in place recommendations. However, these codes must be followed in order for the inspector to provide approval for the project; compromises must be made. Many municipalities require permits for various structures and final inspections. For custom-built homes, the house must be built according to code for the inspector to provide a certificate of occupancy. The following real-life example deals with a no-step entry for a custom-built private retirement home on a hill overlooking a lake. The homeowner, a man in his mid-50s, agreed to a no-step entrance at a side door for future use with a potential mobility device. However, due to the slope of the hill and drainage requirements for that site set forth by the code, the home had to remain at least 6” above ground level, making a no-step entry impossible. Therefore, it was decided to make the step at that entrance a single step as low as allowed. The detached garage location was also adjusted by a few feet to make room for a possible future ramp. This sort of proactive thinking allows for possible future modifications for the home, but also allows the home to meet the necessary building codes. Builders and architects are required to check for code compliance.
The following legislation concerns itself directly with building guidelines of the actual environment. It is important to note that all of these are merely guidelines and a starting point. Much like the UD Principles, people’s individual needs should always be considered when making home modification and design recommendations. The consideration of individual needs may bring additional features into the design beyond what is minimally recommended by legislation or guidelines to increase people’s independence and safety. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was considered groundbreaking legislation that advocated for equal access for people with disabilities. The initial legislation created the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These guidelines apply to public buildings and those receiving federal funding. They do not apply to residential housing. In 2010, revisions were made to the ADA, titled the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These new standards became enforceable in 2012 and address new construction, accessibility, and barrier removal in public buildings (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2017). These guidelines serve as a good start to designing for private homes; however, some standards are not appropriate for individual people or would not fit into a residential home. Many designers and builders consider ADA to be strict rules, and if ADA does not require a feature for safety, then they do not need to add that feature. They also may apply the rules to all environments, including private residences – an environment ADA was never intended to address. As occupational therapists, we should treat ADA as an initial starting point, but then be ready to recommend further modifications and features to The American National Standards Institute monitors the creation and use of standards in the United States. There is also a portion of ANSI that concerns itself with standardization of international codes and guidelines. ANSI was founded in 1918; some of the regulations and directives set forth by ANSI were incorporated into ADA legislation (ANSI, 2017). Builders, contractors, and designers may mention ANSI codes during projects. enhance safety and independence for our clients. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
TEAM MEMBERS
The best work is done in a team. Every person on the home modifications and design team brings his or her unique viewpoint and scope of practice to the project. Good projects
should always include a variety of professionals. Ideally, the other professionals on the team hold aging in place certifications and are trained to consider the unique needs of the older adult.
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