Solutions For...
- Hospitality/Lodging Industry
- Local and State Gov'ts (Title II)
- Homeowners/Home Builders
- Multi-Family Housing
- Educational Facilities
- Architects/Designers
- Retail Industry
- Hospital/Health Care Facilities
- Theaters/Performance Venues
- Restaurant/Food Service Facilities
- Facilities/Building Managers
- Attorneys
What Is Universal Design?
The process of imbedding 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.
UDN Direct
-- read the newest publication from Universal Design NewsletterFebruary, 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 Resumes Effort to Issue ADA Final Rule
February 1, 2010
The Access Board is reporting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is proceeding with the publication of updated regulations under the ADA. These regulations (2004 ADAAG) will include new access standards for facilities based on revised guidelines previously issued by the Access Board. DOJ sought to issue its regulations last winter but delayed publication in order to give incoming officials of the Obama administration the opportunity to review the rule. According to the Access Board, with the Senate’s confirmation of Thomas Perez as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in October, DOJ has resumed work on remaining steps that must be completed before the rule can be cleared for publication. A timeframe for release of the regulations is not available at this time.
NCD calls for changes in US housing policies and practices
January 21, 2010
The US needs more affordable, accessible and appropriate housing for people with disabilities, according the National Council on Disabilities (NCD). In a report release Jan. 19, NCD, which noted that nearly one third of all US households have one or more people with disabilities, called for increased enforcement of existing laws and policy reforms to encourage creation of accessible housing units. Among its recommendations were:
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HUD should convene a small working group, including design and construction professionals and people with disabilities, to explore the feasibility of developing a single design standard for new construction under the Fair Housing Act that would be harmonized with all other federal accessibility guidelines (ADAAG, ABA, 504) and model building codes, to help eliminate conflicts with other federal standards and minimize differences with State and local accessibility codes.
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HUD should effectively coordinate with the Department of Justice to issue public written binding guidance that interprets the statute of limitations period for fair housing complaints in new development broadly and states that a failure to design and construct accessible housing is a violation of the Fair Housing Act that continues until the violations are corrected.
For a copy of the 500+ page report, visit www.ncd.gov
Donation made in the name of UD&C clients, colleagues, friends and fans
December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays to all Universal Designers & Consultants Inc. clients, friends and fans.
UD&C offices, December 2009
In lieu of sending holiday cards this year, we have made a donation in your honor to the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.
All the best in 2010! Have a safe and happy holiday.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Universal Designers & Consultants Inc.