Accessibility by Building Type: Universal Residential Design

Many, if not most, of us will experience a disability during our lifetimes. Whether that disability is temporary or permanent, it will impact our abilities to move around and interact with the built environment. Although laws and standards are in place to help ensure that we can interact with the buildings for businesses and government institutions, shouldn’t our homes be designed to accommodate all our potential needs, too? This is where universal residential design comes in. Universal residential design encompasses all ages, many disabilities, and the potential to “age in place.” Universal design covers all housing types: from new construction to renovations and additions, from single-family to multi-unit apartment buildings and assisted living facilities. It goes beyond minimum accessibility requirements and aims to make the residential built environment safer and more inclusive. North Carolina State University’s Center for Universal Design defines seven universal design principles. These principles make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to interact with, live in, and visit homes designed according to these principles. This course will review these seven principles and how they apply to various areas of the home. It will also look at how addressing the needs of people with disabilities can improve overall community health and well-being.