What is universal design?

Universal design is an all-encompassing philosophy. It asks the question, “How do you design a space that functions equally well for all users?” The goal is a home that allows everyone, not just people with disabilities, easy access and livability by incorporating accessibility features into the overall design of the structure in a tasteful and barely perceivable way. The design of the products and living environments are to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

This means wider doors and hallways to allow greater ease of movement whether used by a mother carrying a child and a bag of groceries or someone using a walker; raised dishwashers and frontloading washers and dryers with front controls that are easier to load and unload from both a standing and seated position; higher kick plates under cabinets and open spaces under sinks that give a sleek look while allowing someone in a wheelchair the ability to use them; contrasting counters and floors that aid people with visual disabilities to “see” the edges; raised electric outlets that are safer for children and reduce the need for adults to bend over; lowered rocker-style light switches that even a child can operate; pot-filling faucets at the stove so that you do not have to carry heavy pots across the kitchen; nonslip flooring that is safer for all sorts of feet; more natural light for better visibility; and walk-in showers with multiple shower heads that are suitable for all regardless of height.

Wouldn’t you say that all these features would make your home a nicer place in which to live regardless of whether you had a disability or not?