FAQs on Universal Design

What is Universal Design?

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. – Ron Mace

See WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN for more information

What are the benefits to Universal Design?

Universal Design creates a more comfortable, safe, and user friendly environment for everyone from children to the elderly.

See RESOURCES for examples and information.

Isn’t Universal Design for the elderly or people with special needs? Why should I care about Universal Design?

Universal design is design for the comfort of everyone, not only those with disabilities and special needs. For example, everyone benefits from a stepless entryway whether you use a wheelchair, push a stroller, or are carrying groceries. Wider doorways can prevent cosmetic damage from moving and easier passage when multiple people use the space.

For more examples see RESOURCES under the listing entitled Home.

How much will Universal Design cost me?

Universal design requires minimal if any increased cost than other products or services, depending on the technology. If you plan early, as in the new home construction process, maximum cost savings can be achieved. For instance, one principle of Universal Design is perceptible information. This principle states that the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. Whether purchasing appliances for a new construction or an existing home, choose a stove that uses red light controls that glow red until the stove top is sufficiently cooled. This feature is easy to see, communicates an area of danger or potential harm, and prevents burns for people with varying sensory abilities.

See RESOURCES and CONSULTATION for more specific pricing information.

Where do I start? What remodeling project or product should I begin with or purchase first?

As with beginning your house with a blue print, assessing your personal needs requires some formal planning as well. The Universal Design Alliance uses a systematic approach to assist you in your planning process. There are projects you can start your self such as installing lever door handles as well as projects that require professional assistance such as a walk in shower that allows for the use of two in case a caregiver is ever needed.

See CONTACT US for further assessment information.

What could change in my life to impact my need for Universal Design?

Accidents, surgeries, and unexpected guests could change your needs at any moment. Consider the convenience if you had a full bedroom and bathroom area available on the main floor. Even if the bedroom area is not designated for that specific purpose, having the option would be a great advantage. Not having to climb stairs or walk distances could save you a lot of pain when healing from an accident or surgery, and you wouldn’t want to have to tell a friend they couldn’t visit you because of their health needs. This bed and bath could even be used for an aging family member or a second baby nursery close to the living area. Everyone from the baby of the family, to the children, parents, grandparents, and great grandparents benefits from a comfortable, beautiful, and user friendly environment.

See ABOUT US for further information.

Where can I find someone locally to help me with my Universal Design Plans?

The Universal Design Alliance can help connect you with a specialist in your area who has been dedicated to Universal Design both in education and application. If you want to include a universal design feature in your home and are having a problem finding a place to purchase the product or service, the Alliance can also guide you to a designated source.

See SERVICES and RESOURCES for more information.

Why a Universal Design Alliance?

Universal Design is a relatively new concept and often the benefits of Universal Design are not communicated properly. Many people still think they need to be elderly or have special needs to get any benefit from Universal Design features. When people of all ages get a chance to try Universal Design features they are amazed at how much it impacts their lives. As the Universal Design Alliance we are dedicated to increasing the awareness of the need for Universal Design in everyday living and providing the opportunity for assistance with your Universal Design needs. There is a vast spectrum in Universal Design encompassing many different products and services. A guiding force like the Universal Design Alliance makes navigating and accomplishing Universal Design easier.

See ABOUT UDA for more information.

Will Universal Design features make my house look medical?

NO! The concept of Universal Design is to implement features that create an aesthetically pleasing user friendly design. Thus, Universal Design features are beautiful and most fit seamlessly into your house plans. For example, instead of a ramp, a gently graded slope softened by landscaping can be used to create a unobtrusive sidewalk leading to the home.

See SHOW HOUSE and RESOURCESfor examples of Universal Design features.

How will Universal Design affect my home’s resale value?

Any features that make a home more convenient, safe, and user friendly automatically add value to a home; as opposed to a home that presents health or safety hazards, is cumbersome to live in, and requires special adaptation that interrupts the flow of the home design. For example, multiple counter heights with knee space are great for kids to use safely without standing on chairs. They are also energy saving for those all day cooking extravaganzas on holidays when you can sit and prep at the same time.

See SHOW HOUSE and RESOURCES for examples of Universal Design.

How could you as a manufacturer, product supplier or service provider become more involved with Universal Design?

If you have a product or service that can promote Universal Design or Universal Design features, we want to know about you so we can disseminate your information to our audience. If you are not involved with Universal Design services or practices but would like to become involved the Universal Design Alliance is your source to facilitate that step.

See CONTACT US, MEMBERSHIP and SPONSORSHIP.

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