Solutions For...
- Hospitality/Lodging Industry
- Local and State Gov'ts (Title II)
- Homeowners/Home Builders
- Multi-Family Housing
- Educational Facilities
- Architects/Designers
- Retail Industry
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- Theaters/Performance Venues
- Restaurant/Food Service Facilities
- Facilities/Building Managers
- Attorneys
What Is Universal Design?
The process of embedding choice for all people in the things we design.
- Choice involves flexibility, and multiple alternative means of use and/or interface.
- People includes the full range of people regardless of age, ability, sex, economic status, etc.
- Things include spaces, products, information systems and any other things that humans manipulate or create.
Ron Mace, one of the original universal design movement leaders, defined universal design as: "Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."
How Can Universal Designers & Consultants Help You?
We are architects and design professionals who assist:
- business owners and companies in improving customer access and making their establishments compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or the Fair Housing Act;
- homeowners enhance the livability of their homes—making changes that will improve the safety and comfort of a home for years to come.
For Universal Design in pdf version, click on UD Newsletter above.
UDN Direct
-- read the newest publication from Universal Design Newsletter March, 2010. Click here to read the latest news from Universal Design Newsletter
Tip of the Week 
A person seated at a kitchen sink often has trouble trying to reach objects on the counter or shelves on either side, without having to reposition themselves.
TIP: In the book Building for a Lifetime, author Margaret Wylde suggests that the sink be positioned at 45 degrees in a corner of the counter, with clear floor space below. This design puts the sink and counter within reach range of a seated person and utilizes the corner space.
Kitchen sink placed in the corner of a kitchen counter.
News
DOJ, ED Issue Joint Letter Regarding Use of Electronic Book Readers by Colleges and Universities
July 9, 2010
In late June the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Education (ED) issued a joint letter to the presidents of all US colleges and universities, expressing concern about the use of electronic book readers that are not accessible to students who are blind or have low vision. Some of these devices lack an accessible text-to-speech function. The letter states that requiring students to use this emerging technology when it is not accessible to an entire population of individuals with disabilities is considered discrimination under the ADA.
The DOJ recently entered into settlement agreements with several universities that used the Kindle DX in the classroom as part of a pilot study with Amazon.com, Inc. (The Kindle DX lacks an accessible text-to-speech function.) The universities agreed not to purchase, require or recommend use of the Kindle DX or any other electronic book reader unless or until the device is fully accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or the universities provide reasonable accommodation or modification so that a student can “acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as sighted students with substantially equivalent ease of use.” Consistent with the relief obtained by the DOJ, the ED also resolved similar complaints against (which) colleges and universities.
For the full text of the letter, visit http://www.ada.gov/kindle_ltr_eddoj.htm
‘New’ ADA Regs Move Forward
May 6, 2010
The Department of Justice has once again submitted updated final Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)regulations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. This action is a step toward implementation of the amended ADA Standards that were proposed in 2004.
The final rules were previously sent to OMB in late 2008 and withdrawn in January 2009 when then President Bush’s Chief of Staff directed Executive Branch agencies to defer publication of any new regulations until the rules were reviewed and approved by Obama Administration officials.
OMB has 90 days to respond to the submission.
Livable Communities Awards Deadline July 16
April 20, 2010
AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced a call for entries for the fourth annual Livable Communities Awards. The awards recognize architects, builders, developers, and remodelers who make residential living more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Applications for the awards are due July 16.
The projects should represent a forward-thinking combination of style, universal design, and energy efficiency to make homes and developments that improve the daily comfort, ease of use, and safety for the people who live in them.
All AARP and NAHB Livable Communities Awards entries will be evaluated based on how well they adhere to principles such as:
- design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents;
- easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options improved energy efficiency and enhanced site design; and
- better communication with key stakeholders
More specifically, builders will be judged based on the use of universal design elements in the home; energy efficiency and ease of use; and exterior design and landscaping. Remodelers will also be judged on the home’s universal design elements, energy efficiency, and ease of use in addition to the home’s ability to meet client needs. Developers will be evaluated according to the project’s livable community features; site design; and stakeholder cooperation and involvement. Architects’ projects will be categorized as Community Design or Home Design. Community Designs will be judged on incorporation of livable communities features and site design. Home Designs will be evaluated the same as builders. Sponsors will declare winners for both a large project and a small project in each category, and cost will determine remodelers’ categories. For complete judging criteria, please visit www.nahb.org/livablecommunities.
A panel of expert judges appointed by NAHB and AARP will review the applications and select the finalists. Applications for the 2010 Livable Communities Awards are due Friday, July 16, 2010 and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. For more information on the awards or to apply online, please visit www.nahb.org/livablecommunities. Winning entries will be publicly recognized and announced at an awards program at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida in January 2011.
For information on the 2009 winning projects, including videos, visit www.aarp.org/homedesign.