September 13, 2013 / by Gregg Cantor / In Universal Design
Selywn 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
- 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:
- Smooth ground-level entrances without stairs.
- Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs.
- Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant to prevent falls.
- 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.
- Buttons and other controls that can be distinguished by touch.
- Bright and appropriate lighting -- particularly task lighting.
- Text captioned telephones and televisions for auditory impairments.
- Use of meaningful icons with text labels.
- Displays with light-on-dark visual contrast.
- Avoid clutter for easier navigation throughout the home.
- Labels on equipment control buttons that is large print.
- Automated doors that feature a "push" option if heavier than five pounds.
- Ramp access in swimming pools.
