| By creating a home environment that removes | | | | Ease of Use, |
| obstacles, we are better able to maintain our | | | | - Simple Solutions: Home Automation Technology for |
| independence. Instead of just accepting loss of ability, | | | | Easy, Safe, and Accessible Living |
| maybe a few changes can overcome barriers. This | | | | - Universal Design and Accessible Housing Resources |
| essay is the first in a series of articles to address | | | | - Home Modifications and Residential Remodeling |
| problems causing stumbling blocks to self-sufficiency | | | | Resources There are house plan catalogs for UD or |
| and possible solutions to these problems. | | | | AD on the publications list. You can also order an |
| Let's start with the basics: The "in" words are Universal | | | | Accessible Stock House Plans Catalog. |
| Design. With this in mind, I began my research at The | | | | Centers for Independent Living - This website will |
| Center for Universal Design in North Carolina. It did not | | | | provide a list of Centers for Independent Living (CIL) |
| take me long to realize I was oversimplifying the | | | | throughout the country. One of their responsibilities is to |
| solution. There are two types of housing designs that I | | | | be aware of services for people with disabilities in their |
| will address - Universal Design (UD) and Accessible | | | | geographical area. Contact the center closest to you |
| Design (AD). Their purposes are different. | | | | and ask for names of knowledgeable architects or |
| Universal Design (UD) - The intent of this design is to | | | | builders. |
| build environments usable by as many people as | | | | National Association Of Home Builders (nahbrc.org) - |
| possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design | | | | Another source of professionals who do modifications |
| benefits people of all ages and abilities. This concept | | | | for accessibility are CAPS (Certified Aging in Place |
| would be used by someone who wants to build a | | | | Specialists) graduates. They are not Universal Design |
| house that will likely meet their needs for their entire | | | | experts, but they were interested enough in learning |
| lifetime. People choosing this design do not have | | | | how to make modifications for people with disabilities, |
| disabilities but want features in their house that will | | | | that they took the CAPS program. For a list of builders |
| work for them during normal aging. | | | | or remodelers who have a CAPS certification, go to |
| Accessible Design (AD) - People looking for housing | | | | the website of the National Association of Home |
| features to overcome barriers for specific disabilities | | | | Builders Research Center. |
| need Accessible Design. Accessible Design usually | | | | This is the first essay presenting thoughts facilitating an |
| turns out best if a health care professional, such as an | | | | independent living environment. Sometimes a few |
| occupational therapist, works with the homeowner, the | | | | tweaks to a home are all that is necessary, so future |
| designer, builder, or remodeler to consider the specific | | | | article will address some specifics. I'll try to include |
| needs of the person who will be living in the home. | | | | individual needs if you let me know about them in the |
| People looking for architects, designers, or builders with | | | | "Suggestion" box on my web site. The link is below. |
| knowledge and experience in Universal Design, or | | | | Proposed areas to be addressed in my series on |
| Accessible Design, might want to try contacting their | | | | creating a barrier free home: |
| local Center for Independent Living. This is a nationwide | | | | - General Household Modifications |
| network of centers whose job is to be knowledgeable | | | | - How to Create a Bathroom Free of Barriers |
| about the professionals and services for people with | | | | - Kitchen Changes that Can Make a Difference |
| disabilities in their geographical region. | | | | - Ideas for the Outside of the House to Overcome |
| Resources: | | | | Physical Challenges I am starting out with construction |
| The Center For Universal Design - This website is a | | | | that will create a foundation conducive to independent |
| wealth of information. Publications that are a must read | | | | living. Realizing many people are interest in smaller, less |
| if you are considering ways to make you home more | | | | invasive changes, future articles will address products |
| accessible: | | | | or aids that may help. Suggestions from readers may |
| - Home Modifications and Products for Safety and | | | | cause the outline to change. |