Universal Design
What is Universal Design?
Residential universal design serves individuals of all ages and abilities by standardizing accessible features such as no-step entryways, one-story living, open floor plans, ramps, wider doorways and hallways, varied counter heights, soft-closing drawers and cabinets, automated lighting, lever-style handles, rocker panel switches, and non-slip surfaces. These features serve all residents, age groups, levels of physical ability, and health status.
Approaches Met
Help seniors age-in-place
Universal design helps homes meet residents' needs throughout their lifetimes.
Keep seniors physically and socially connected
Universal design implemented in public spaces enables seniors to continue to use these spaces as their abilities decrease.
Make it Happen
- Municipalities can promote universal design by highlighting the need for residential universal design for the advancement of public health in community comprehensive plans. Other non-regulatory options which can be used to share universal design concepts and benefits include public education outlets such as municipal websites, newsletters, and social media.
- Municipalities can encourage opportunities for universal design in building codes and subdivision and land development ordinances which establish standards for residential uses. Subdivision and land development provisions should be evaluated to encourage and permit design features which promote the approaches of universal design, and to ensure that universal design features are not precluded based on current standards.
- Municipalities interested in promoting universal design for residential uses may want to consider requiring universal design features in age restricted communities, multi-story apartment homes, and condominium buildings.
Universal Design in Practice
FabCab
FabCab homes implement universal design elements into their homes. These elements include wide doorways, ample space to maneuver, and single-story living.
Lifelong Montclaire, Montclair, NJ
The Lifelong Montclair plan is a plan completed in conjunction with AARP and includes the implementation universal design aspects.
Find Out More
- AARP provides a number of tool kits and resources regarding residential universal design and aging in place.
- The Universal Design Institute offers resources for encouraging universal design.
- The state of Pennsylvania has a number of regulations regarding universal accessibility standards.