The full version of this paper will appear in the January / February 1998 issue of Technology and Disability.

1. There have been many outstanding efforts and excellent results from several programs supporting development and dissemination of home modification solutions.

2. Living environments being built today have as many, if not more demands than the environments of the 1970s.

3. Most ease-of-use and accessibility features will create an improved, safer environment for people of all ages and abilities.

4. Home accessibility and ease-of-use modifications continue to be viewed as an exception to the rule. Builders will not include them unless consumers ask for them, and consumers won't ask for them unless they have a significant need.

5. People will purchase items they want.

6. Home improvements need to be the focal point of educational efforts of all consumer segments: users, home builders and product developers, and intermediaries.

Next Steps to Increase the Consumer Knowledge of Home Modifications

1. Understand the consumer.
Be informed about what consumers know, understand and want in relation to home modifications.

2. Change the perspective.
Home safety should take a front seat and personal deficits should be forgotten. Expand solutions beyond those for people with mobility limitations.