Universal Design, or "Barrier-Free Living"
| Universal design is a relatively new paradigm that emerged from "barrier-free" or "accessible design" and "assistive technology." Barrier free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions, for example, a ramp that leads to a different entry to a building than a main stairway. Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities. Moreover, it recognizes the importance of how things look. For example, while built up handles are a way to make utensils more usable for people with gripping limitations, some companies introduced larger, easy to grip and attractive handles as feature of mass produced utensils. They appeal to a wide range of consumers. |
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As life expectancy rises and modern medicine has increased the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent.
Universal design is a part of everyday living and is all around us. The "undo" command in most software products is a good example. Color-contrast dish ware with steep sides that assist those with visual problems as well as those with dexterity problems are another. Additional examples include cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures and low-floor buses that kneel and are equipped with ramps rather than lifts.
Text above taken from Wikipedia's page on Universal Design. More information about Universal Design can be found there and on AARP's page on Universal Home Design.
The pictures on this page were provided by Quality Homes in Ontario. You can view their complete photo gallery here, or you can click here to view a virtual tour. There is also an article from the Toronto Star about a woman with spinal meningitis and overcoming the frustration of building a home to accommodate her disability. From the article:
"Quality's model Graystone estate home is outfitted with an extensive range of barrier-free features, including wider doorways, lowered thresholds, lowered and two-tiered counters, overhead cupboards with a motorized mechanism which lowers them, wheel-in stove, built-in wall oven and microwave, grab bars, wheel-in shower, raised sink and tub, lower light switches and more."
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