The roots of accessible housing run deep into the fabric of this country originating with the return of the troops after World War II. There was an immediate awareness that homes needed to be adapted to those with mobility impairments. Early efforts such as "barrier-free" attempted to mitigate or remove barriers into and within a home. While utilitarian, they were also unattractive and left a negative impression in the minds of many.
Over the years other concepts or labels have emerged such as "adaptable," "inclusive," "ADA compliant," and more recently "aging in place," "visitable," or "easy living."
Universal Design breaks from all these previous labels with its emphasis on a better way to build a home to meet the needs of ALL people regardless of age or ability. It works for young and old, short and tall, mobile and not so mobile and in doing so is invisible, attractive and comfortable for all.
A number of products have been developed to make life easier for those with special needs but because of their universal acceptance are now embraced by the population as a whole. Some examples are: garage door openers, water and ice dispensers in refrigerator doors, big-grip potato peelers, sloped sidewalks at street corners and elevated front-load washers and dryers.
Accessable homes include at a minimum:
- one no-step entry door
- minimum interior door widths of 32"
- adequate maneuvering room, particularly in the bath
- minimum hall widths of 40"
- one story plan or provision for future elevator
If accessible features are included in new construction they can be installed at a fraction of the cost that would be required to remodel.
Some features that add convenience and safety might be:
- levered plumbing and door hardware
- multi-level countertops
- customized cabinetry
- curbless showers
- comfort height commodes
- lowered switch plates and raised plugs
- enhanced task lighting
- medical home monitoring
- elevators
