Universal Design

Universal design focuses on making housing safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or stature. Employing universal design in new construction or remodeling can ensure that housing meets the needs of a wide range of functional abilities and preferences, and can provide additional safety or mobility assistance to those with mobility impairments or disabilities. Key principles of universal design include:

  1. Equitable Use - The design can be used by a wide range of body sizes and abilities.
  2. Personalization - The design is made for a wide range of individual preferences.
  3. Simple and Intuitive - Any user can understand how to operate and use the design.
  4. Awareness - The design communicates necessary information to the user, regardless of their surroundings or the user’s sensory abilities.
  5. Wellness - The design protects the user from any possible danger.
  6. Comfort - The design minimizes the amount of physical effort needed for use.
  7. Sufficient Size and Space - The design accommodates different postures and mobility and provides enough space to use assistive devices or personal assistance.
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