Universal Design

Retirement and Nursing Facilities 2004 Special Needs Study Results

30% incontinent, 40% use wheelchairs or walkers, 50% have some form of memory loss, 60% need help bathing, 25% need toileting assistance

Storage maximum height in the case of obstructed high reach over a surface exceed 20 inches in depth is:

44 inches high

Ability Based Design

Addresses specific concern to design for people of all abilities. Not just about accessibility. Ability-based design focuses on what people can do. Instead of focusing on what occupants can not do, environments adapt to users.

Bariatric

Bariatric furnishings, fixtures, and equipment are not just for "bigger" or "hold more weight". Bariatric equipment must combine load limits, appropriate dimensions, and aesthetic blending environment, comfort, and safety needs.

Unified Approach

Design should create environments that cater and give experiences for people, all people have differing abilities. this is the essence of universal design, and what makes it different from accessible design.

Major Design Opportunities for Design in Family Homes

Designers can provide safety features to make homes easier to use for all family members. Including those sheltering place or even schooling at home. Upgrading and modernizing a home can provide flexibility to adapt to changing needs.

Universal Design

Designing spaces and product that everyone can use.

7 Principles Center for Excellence in Universal Design Suggest

Equitable, Flexibility, Simple and Intuitive, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for Error, Low Physical Effort, Appropriate Site and Space

ANSI/BIFMA X5.11

Furniture standards for large occupants that approach bariatric weight ranges upwards of 600 pounds. Published in 2015.

Addressing Special Needs

In education, this includes teaching styles and special equipment facilities. Impacts the application of finishes, color, lighting, wayfinding, and other design criteria. These are identified in programming and implemented throughout.

Ability Level

Oxford dictionary defines this as "possession of the means or skill to do something."

Planning for a 36 inch door leading from corridor to another room with limited space. The corridor orientation is flexible. The door will only have a latch, no closer.

Providing accessibility and minimizing the width of the corridor, a hinge side approach with a door swing into the room would best meet the criteria. Side approach with door swing in requires a minimum 42 inch and allow for a narrow corridor of 42 inches.

Problem: Limited mobility

Solution: Higher electrical outlets and lower electrical switches

Problem: Difficulty getting in/out of shower

Solution: Install grab bars, tub-cut, and/or shower seat

Problem: Too weak to climb stairs

Solution: Install handrails on either side

Problem: Fear of falling

Solution: Non-slip flooring, entrances without steps

Problem: Need for emergency help

Solution: Personal alert system

Problem: Difficulty turning doorknobs and faucet handles

Solution: Replace with level handles

Problem: Doorways too narrow for wheelchair

Solution: Widen doorways or install swing-clear hinges

Problem: Can't get in/out of home without help

Solution: install a permanent or temporary ramp

Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction.

The high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches maximum. Where the reach depth is greater than 20 inches the high forward reach shall be 44 inches with the maximum reach depth being 25 inches.

ADA & Universal Design

There is an overlap between Universal Design and Accessible Design which references the ADA legislation. ADA outlines the minimum requirement to stop discrimination towards those with disabilities.

Inclusivity/Inclusive Design

Universal Design promotes as inclusive a design as possible, yet, features that enhance access or use by some people should not hinder or diminish the user experience for others.

Accessible Design/Accessibility

Universal design isn't synonymous with accessible standards. Accessible design focuses on the needs of people with disabilities while Universal design goes further in seeking best practices in design to everyone.

Design Accommodations to Seniors

Upgrading, modernizing and providing for flexibility can help those with reduced eyesight, poor balance, reduced flexibility.

Disability

World Health Organization WHO defines disability as "any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being." Disability is an experience, not a condition.

Bariatric Consideration: Functional load

a level of loading intended to be typical of hard use

Bariatric Consideration: Dynamic load

accommodates the weight of a patient in falling motion. Dynamic must always exceed static load. Critical rating for unstable patients. A falling human is double their weight.

ADA & Related Standards

address physical needs. Universal design also addresses people's special needs and developmental challenges. It applies to the elderly and those who have declining physical and/or mental issues.

Inclusive design, sometimes referred to as universal design is characterized by this main feature:

addressing the needs of the broadest range of individuals

Flexibility in Use

benefits a wide range of preferences and abilities

Low Physical Effort

can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatique

Designing for Overweight/Obese: bathrooms

choose floor mounted fixtures and add oversized toilet seats with ample space for caregiver assistance or adaptive equipment like lifts

Special Needs

describes individuals needing assistance for medical, mental, or psychological disabilities. These individuals need support beyond ADAAG and other codes and standards.

Perceptible Informaation

easily communicated to the user

Appropriate Size and Space

enough size/space provided for approach, reach, and function, regardless of body size, posture, or mobility

Pediatric Design

focuses on the needs of infants, children and adolescents. Most commonly seen in pediatric healthcare and education settings, though residential and retail spaces address younger users' needs and abilities

Bariatric Design

focuses on the overweight user group

Circular accessible handrails should:

have a diameter between 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches

Percentile Grown Charts Aiding Design

helps plan for the widest range of children. Should be carefully weighed against actual space user needs to address the majority. Adults will also use spaces designed for kids. To accommodate for many, design for those at extremes of range.

Designing for Overweight/Obese: public seating areas

include seating with and without arms to accommodate various body shapes at height that allows for easer standing

Designing for Overweight/Obese: wider doorways and accessible routes

include turning circles and wider spaces for equipment such as motorized scooters or wheelchairs

Bariatric Consideration: static load

maximum amount of non-moving weight a piece of equipment can bear. It would be applied to furniture, handrails, grab bars, toilets and the like.

Designing for Overweight/Obese: bedrooms

minimize the distance from the bed to the toilet, allowing for clearance for equipment and multiple caregivers. Include multiple or continuous handrails to reduce risk of falling

Bariatric Consideration: Dimension and shape

not all people have the same physique so a person's shape must be considered.

Child-friendly design

not just about making everything smaller. Focus on specific needs, colors, materials, textures, decorative elements, weaker grips, smaller reach ranges, developing eyesight, mobility issues, daylighting, noise control, air quality, and privacy

Bariatric Consideration: Safe working load or working load limit

rating for bariatric beds, lifts, and other equipment. it is the largest load, in pounds, that equipment can safely lift

Tolerance for Error

reduces hazards and the consequences if an accident occurs

Aging in Place

refers to a senior living in the home of their choice as they age while having the services and support they need over time as their needs change. Focus on maintaining/improving quality of life with independence

Special Needs and Facility Types

special needs in institutional design can also address detained or prison populations. Public facilities, including governmental facilities, each have their own set of concerns

Simple and Intuitive Use

use is easy to understand, regardless of experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level

Equitable Use

useful and sellable to people with diverse abilities