Universal Design is a strategy and a philosophy that we, as designers and remodelers use to make environments and products usable for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. The intent of the universal design concept is to simplify life for everyone by making the environment, products, and communications equally accessible, usable and understandable.

The Universal Design concept emphasizes user-centered design by following a holistic approach to accommodate the needs of people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. It provides for the changes that all people experience throughout their lives, and therefore is becoming an integral part of the architecture, design, and planning of all types of construction.

Some of the most common ways we incorporate Universal Design into a bath is with grab bars in the bath, not using steps to a bath, using non-slip surfaces, easy to grip faucets, shower seating and thermostatic shower controls. The bathroom is the most accident-prone room in the home and as you get older, you don’t see as well, or bend as well, so some added safety in that room is a good thing.

For kitchens, we’re able to adjust heights of cabinetry to suit all family members, arrange appliance layout for ease of use, provide hardware and other design solutions for the sight impaired and a whole lot more to make life easier.

The term “Universal Design” was first used in the 1970’s by Ron Mace, director of the Center for Accessible Housing at North Carolina State University. Mace, an architect, product designer, educator and a wheelchair user since a childhood bout with polio, said that one of the more major changes brought by Universal Design was the elimination of the “special needs” label placed on people who are working to maintain or gain independence. Since that time, the term has evolved. In a recent issue of Design/Build Business, Universal Design was defined: “It is not a code; it is an attitude, a target, a dream of a better world.”

The home environment should adapt to fit the people that live there, and not vice versa. When you think about your “home,” it should be comfort that comes to mind. Home is where you are surrounded by your family and the possessions you most value and enjoy and it should be designed in a way that best reflects your personality and activities. Universal Design should remove distinctions among varying abilities by adhering to four major ideas identified by Mace in1998 as:

Universal Design is supportive: it makes environments work for the individual, stressing ease of use and maintenance.

Universal Design is adaptable: it serves a wide range of users whose needs change over time.

Universal Design is accessible: the everyday comforts and conveniences that “normal” individuals enjoy are provided to all users of the environment.

Universal Design is safe: it not only provides environments and tools for the presently disabled, but actually anticipates and prevents disabilities such as repetitive strain injuries.

Historically, universal design has met the needs of people with varying abilities by creating expensive, yet unattractive products and environments to make up for a “missing” ability or by removing a barrier to access. But it’s important to come up with ways of thinking about and designing environments and products that work for the greatest number of people possible, regardless of their range of ability, body size, or age. One great example is the use of levers instead of round knobs on doors. Levers can be used by people with arthritis, small children, and anyone who confronts a closed door while holding armfuls of groceries.

AARP’s annual member surveys consistently reveal a strong preference by seniors to remain in their homes — to “age in place.” In 10 years of surveys, over 80% of respondents expressed this preference. People have roots in their communities and strong emotional ties to their homes and the majority prefer to remain where they are. Few people want to move solely because their homes no longer fit their needs. With a whole new population of older adults resulting from improved health care and nutrition, Americans over 60 will number almost 88 million by 2030. So doesn’t it just make sense to build and design our homes to fit our needs at every stage?