Universal Design

Aging in Place 2.0 | Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge

A PDF version of the MetLife report Aging in Place 2.0, which addresses how residential design, medical and home monitoring equipment, and comprehensive care services can be integrated into a dynamic and efficient monitoring and management system.

Building a World Fit for People: Designers with Disabilities at Work

By Elaine Ostroff, Mark Limont, and Daniel G. Hunter | A publication of Adaptive Environments Center | This book was made possible by a grant from NEC Foundation of America

Practical Guide to Universal Home Design

Universal design is the idea of making things comfortable and convenient for as many different people at as many stages of life as possible. These common-sense features can make your home a more pleasant place to live right now, and avoid unnecessary hassles and expensive changes in the future. This booklet is provided by the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, a program of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence on Disabilities.

Universal Design and Visitability: From Accessibility to Zoning

Edited by Jack L Nasar and Jennifer Evans-Cowley | The book introduces the concepts of universal design and visitability. It presents: a paradigm for the future; rationale for studying it; design examples; a discussion of design for individuals with vision loss; planning barrier free transportation facilities; successful county-wide and national policy initiatives; the importance of education; and considerations of certain cultural barriers to adoption of policies.

Universal Design: Integrating Innovative Products and Spatial Design

From the AIA/Architectural Record Continuing Education Series | Provided by Whirlpool Corporation | By Mark R. Johnson, FAIA | Today, universal design is making its way into the collective consciousness, spurred on by the needs of an aging population. Often referred to as “lifespan” design, the new focus is to provide a product—be it a home or an appliance—that recognizes, respects, values and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability.

Visitable Homes, Visitable Communities

A handout from Concrete Change on visitable homes, which are homes that are deliberately designed with basic access by residents who do NOT have disabilities. Visitability is a campaign for these features to become standard in virtually all new homes, through legislation, voluntary implementation, market forces and strong advocacy from interested individuals.