Universal Design: Access for everyone

It’s a common story. People get injured and their house becomes home to 20 grab bars strategically located so that getting up and down is never a problem. What about navigating kitchen cupboards? Bathroom sink? Alternatively, parents express to their children that they do not want to move to a retirement home or a senior’s facility. But what are the options? There are too many stairs in those old houses.

Universal design has become a bit of a trendy buzz word in recent years, but some may not know what this means exactly. Simply put, universal design is the answer to a growing need in the home: accessibility.

Essentially, universal design is about creating a beautiful space that everyone can live in/visit both now and in the future. Age, size, ability… none of that matters. With universal design, there is safe access for everyone. Needs and abilities can evolve over time so universal design allows residents to live in and enjoy their home during all stages of their lives.

The trend was given a big boost by the recent dip in the economy. Homeowners would rather remodel than buy a new house. But ultimately, the reason to embrace universal design is the desire to age in place. An AARP National Survey found that 67% of people age 45 and over want to remain in their homes as long as possible. That number increased, up to a whopping 90%, as people age. Someone had to respond. Architects and builders embraced that desire and began to create homes with unique features that provide safe access for people of all ages. So, it started as a solution to the “age in place” dilemma but has expanded to providing livable homes for anyone and everyone.

It’s also important to note the word “design.” This is not just about adding grab bars around a home. Universal design means creating a beautiful home that happens to have features hidden in the design that will help homeowners and visitors alike.

Some essential universal design features include:

• No-step entry
• Wide doorways and hallways
• Reachable controls and switches
• Easy-to-use handles

If you own a multilevel house, you can incorporate universal design by adding a home elevator or wheelchair lift, making the home you love more accessible in the future.

If you are looking for smaller ways to update your current home and incorporate the new concept, some great solutions include:

• Raised front-loading washer and dryer
• Easy access storage and counter tops
• Low or no-threshold stall showers with built-in benches or seats
• Non-slip floors, bathtubs, and showers
• Stairlift for stair travel

So get creative. How can you update you home now so that you can enjoy it well into the future?

Design with an Accessible Twist

Bedroom designed by Cynthia at CMG Interiors for a child with sensory needs

Creative thinking is a must when designing for children with disabilities. It takes a good understanding of your child’s condition and what stimulates your child combined with a big dose of fun to make it a great kid’s space.

A child may have a physical need for access of the need for mental stimulations. Parents may be looking for ways to incorporate or hide medical equipment. Ginger Rodriquez, an interior designer and mom featured in the Washington Post believes that children with special needs spend more time in their rooms. Designers need to find new and interesting ways to divert a child’s attention away from his or her disability.

We spoke to Cynthia Meyers Griffin at CMG Interiors in Washington D.C. about the process of designing for a child with special needs. The first step is always getting to know the child. What are his or her needs? What will the room be used for – play, homework, rest? Does the child have a favorite color? It is also a good idea to talk to the parents to learn more about the child and what they are hoping to see in the room design. Cynthia also recommends doing some research on the child’s disability to better understand the challenges and needs and possibly design solutions that others have found effective. From there, the designer launches into the creative process to dream up the perfect room.

For children who are easily stimulated, she recommends calm colors, and just the opposite for children who need energizing. Some children may have issues with light, in which case diffusing or using artificial light is a great idea. Other solutions include spinning elements to help children who use movement to process information, rugs for diffusing sound or providing sensory stimulation, or high ceilings and open spaces for stimulating toys such as bouncy balls.

Ginger Rodriguez describes her design for her son in a WP February 2012 article (no longer available online). She installed hardwood floors so that her son could better use and move his IV pole. Lowered light switches and a control for the stereo system gave Sean control and independence in his room. She added a personal touch by painting the walls light blue with an image above the bed of a little boy flying an airplane and laughing.

For parents looking for Do-It-Yourself tips and tricks, Terri Sapienza outlines a number of ideas here, including hide-away bed rails and pocket doors to maximize space.

Designing a room for a child with disability can make a huge difference in his or her life. Not only can it be a rewarding experience for the designer, but the child is able to be self-sufficient and independent, something of utmost importance to children with disabilities. Having a room painted in your favorite color, with your favorite toys, room for your medical supplies, and easy access to light switches, the desk, the bed, etc. gives a feeling of “home.” And who doesn’t want that feeling for their child!

Rising to the Top in Style

Photo courtesy of Total Access Co.

A great home elevator must start with well-designed inner workings to provide reliability, safety and quality performance. Like a fine automobile though, most people are also interested in the aesthetics.  After all, an elevator will be an integral part of your daily life. Savaria dealers really get that idea and are always up for the challenge of meeting their client’s ideas for customization.

Home owners with a love for interior design or those with the desire to show off their personal style may want to aid in the idea and design process. Builders may opt for a customized elevator as a unique selling feature to increase the property value of a new development.

Clint Cox, sales consultant with Savaria dealer, Total Access Co., recently worked with local builders to install two custom glass elevators. Glass can add both beauty and functionality to a home elevator.

The first project was a deluxe 2-story penthouse in Philadelphia (pictured above). Commissioned by Total Access, this elevator achieved feats of accessibility and style. The stainless steel hoistway – the space through which the elevator travels – was welded on site by the builder, positioning the elevator in the center of the suite. Enveloped by a spiral staircase, this elevator has a freestanding appearance and adds elegance and intrigue to this modern space. Frameless glass panels were added, along with a customized stainless steel keypad phone. With its sleek appearance, this developer added value to this Philly penthouse.

Next up was a beachfront property. The owners were in need of an elevator but did not want to lose their waterfront view – understandably so! Once the simple glass concept was dreamt up by Total Access and the homeowners, Savaria built the glass cab elevator. Builders then constructed a hoistway using safety glass and customized hidden wiring was installed by Total Access. Most importantly, the owners retained their beautiful view of the beach.

The complement of your ideas with a Savaria elevator makes your home uniquely convenient and luxurious.  And that’s a combination that always rises to the top.