15 Ways to Apply Universal Design in Your Home

15 Ways to Apply Universal Design in Your Home Brought to you by SINCE 1975 MURRAY LAMPERT. DESIGN. BUILD• REMODEL Selwyn Goldsmith, the author of Designing for the Disabled (1963), pioneered free access for disabled people and is credited with the creation of the dropped curb (now a standard). Many of his ideas were based upon the seven principles of universal design, an architectural movement coined by Robert L. Mace that emphasizes: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use. Below are 15 ways that modern homes can implement universal design principles to increase accessibility and comfort for residents with and without disabilities: Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant to prevent falls. Smooth ground-level entrances without stairs. Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs. 4 FIRE | PUSH IN +PULL DOWN Single-hand operation with closed fist for operable components including fire alarm pull stations. Wide interior doors, hallways, and alcoves with 60" x 60" turning space at doors and dead ends. Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches. 8. ENTER CC Closed Captioning Buttons and other controls that can be Bright and appropriate lighting--particularly task lighting. Text captioned telephones and televisions for auditory impairments. distinguished by touch. 10 YO UTENSILS 11 12 TIME GLOBAL Avoid clutter for easier navigation throughout the home. Use of meaningful icons with text labels. Displays with light-on-dark visual contrast. 13 14 15 PUSH TO OPEN POWER Labels on equipment control buttons that is large print. Automated doors that feature a "push" Ramp access in swimming pools. option if heavier than five pounds. VISIT US AT: WWW.MURRAYLAMPERT.COM MURRAY LAMPERT. SOURCE: HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/UNIVERSAL_DESIGN | DESIGNED BY: BEST RANK DESIGN • BUILD • REMODEL 2]