Universal Design Resources
Affordable and Universal Homes
In recent years, it has become apparent and more widely recognized that home design needs to address a dynamic range of people and abilities.Housing in this century must be able to adapt to the differing needs and requirements of the users, no matter their age or strength or agility.This design approach, known as universal design, strives to make the day-to-day home living and home tasks possible and safer for everyone. Read More
Definitions of Visitability and Universal Design
The term “Visitability” and “Universal Design” are defined thus providing an understanding of the differences between the two concepts. Read More
Acknowledgements and Resource Guide
A list of state-of-the-art resources, checklists and websites are provided. This Resource Guide was developed by the University of Iowa, Clinical Law Program. Read More
Bathroom Tech Sheet
Combination shower and bathtub. The “wet-area” design (see “wet area plan” on the back panel) provides
generous space for maneuvering since the foor area in the
shower doubles as the approach to the bathtub. This design
allows a variety of bathing choices, an asset for family
members with diff erent needs and preferences. Read More
Curbless Showers - An Installation Guide
This booklet is intended to assist architects, builders, remodelers, installers and
carpenters better understand the critical design and construction issues involved
in installing curbless or "roll-in" showers. The term "curbless" is used throughout
this booklet since "roll-in" generally suggests that such a shower is beneficial only
to people who use wheelchairs. Read More
Gold, Silver and Bronze Universal Design Features in Houses
The Gold, Silver and Bronze universal house feature list was created to ease adoption by
builders and developers. These characteristics are the elements, features, ideas or concepts that
contribute to or can be components of a universal house. Read More
Home Modifications and Products for Safety and Ease of Use
Over the course of our lives, many of us will experience home environments that no
longer help, but rather hinder, our activities. Whether temporary or permanent, gradual or
sudden, we may find that stairs, tubs, or kitchens have become hard or impossible to use
safely. Read More
Universal Design - Housing for the Lifespan of All People
Too often seniors and people with disabilities live limited lives or give up their homes and neighborhoods prematurely because standard housing of the past cannot meet their needs. While a truly universally usable house is a goal for the future, many features in houses today already are or easily can be made universally usable. Read More
Installing Trench Drains in Curbless Showers
Many consumers and professionals in the design and building
industries are aware of the advantages of curbless showers. Each
year, more and more curbless showers are being requested in
residential settings. Read More
Universal Design Features in Housing
The following list of characteristics are elements, features, ideas or concepts that contribute to or can be
components of universal housing. This list is intended as a guide. The features described are those we might
look for in universal housing but not all are expected to be included in any given home. Read More
Find your local Center for Independent Living - Search by county at INCIL.org
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