Universal Design Comes Home
By Peni Wilson, Allied Member ASID
A Designer's Influence, San Diego, Ca
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We hear a lot about the aging of America. The life expectancy of our generation far exceeds that of our grandparents. Moreover, advancements in medical technology save the lives of infants with birth defects and individuals injured in accidents -- thus 43 million Americans are living with disabilities. |
Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable to the greatest extent possible by people of all ages and abilities eliminating the stigma and expense of "special or different design."
As an interior designer specializing in design for senior living and people with special needs, I design homes which support activities of daily living. This allows my clients to be more independent and remain at home rather than moving to a facility to be cared for.
If you are building or remodeling a home, think about what you want now and what you may need later on. Many people try to make do, but why not make life easier and more enjoyable by having your home designed to meet your needs in a safe, productive and attractive way.
This universal designed kitchen by Lindquist Interiors features pocket doors on sink and cook top cabinets, sliding shelves and lazy susan.
| Helen Helene Lindquist is a kitchen designer
in San Diego and she pays close attention to the heights of things
in the kitchens she designs. "Dishwashers at 42" high eliminate
bending when loading and unloading" Helene says. "In addition,
it is important to design the oven and microwave at a lower height
for those who use wheelchairs or for individuals who may not have
the strength to lift hot, heavy dishes down from above their heads."
Another important amenity in the kitchen is a section of counter lowered
for working from a seated position. These details can be incorporated
into an attractively designed kitchen.
Parents have found the elements of universal design such as ramps and flush floor levels can be helpful when pushing strollers. None of the 12 tips suggested below scream out "an old or disabled person lives here." Instead, these amenities are items we would all enjoy having in our own homes. The added benefit is that we can accommodate visiting grandparents, parents or friends, as well as being prepared for our own changing needs. Peni Wilson, Allied Member ASID, is owner of A Designer’s Influence in San Diego, a company providing interior design services with a specialty in senior living facilities. She is a recent recipient of an Award of Distinction from the College of Agricultural Environmental Sciences at U.C. Davis for her professional accomplishments. Copyrights granted by A Designer's Influence. |
for a universal designed home 1. Lever handles on doors and faucets. 2. 36" wide doors (approximately $20 more than standard
size, including 3. Floor levels and materials flush to each other. 4. Toilet seat height at 19". 5. Grab bars in the shower (also handy when you shave your legs). 6. 42" wide hallways 7. Increased lighting levels. 8. Walk-in shower with a seat and hand held spray. 9. Walk-in closet with dual height rods and shelves. 10. Handrails on both sides of stairs, inside and out. 11. Wheelchair accessible bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. 12. Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and kitchen. |