Defining Universal Design

From NKBA- Kitchen Planning


The term universal design is sometimes inaccurately used as the politically correct description of compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) and other access codes or guidelines. While access codes and guidelines are important as a minimum, universal design is a broader approach that works to incorporate the needs of all users, not any one specific group. Universal design is an ideal, a way of thinking, whereas code compliance is often simply following a dictate.

A number of terms are used almost interchangeably with universal design.

• Lifespan design refers to the aspects of universal design that provides for the changes that may occur in the lifespan of the home, such as the birth and growth of children. It also refers to the changes that may occur in the lifespan of the home, such as birth and growth of children. It also refers to the changes that may occur in the lifespan of the owners, such as the return to home after a skiing accident that results in a broken bone. 
• Trans-generational design refers to the design that acknowledges and supports the multiple generations living under one roof today.
• Barrier-free design is an older term, first used to refer to solutions that removed barriers in the environment. While removing barriers is still one important aspect, in North America universal design has been embraced as a broader, more positive approach and term.
• Accessible design or accessibility us a function of compliance with regulations or criteria that established a minimum level of design necessary to accommodate people with disabilities, i.e. "wheelchair accessible". 
• Adaptable design refers to features that are either adjustable or capable of being added or removed to "adapt" to individual needs or preferences.
• Visit-ability refers to basic accommodations that will allow people of differing abilities to visit a home. In terms of kitchen design, visit-ability requires simply that doorways into the room be a minimum 32 inches clear. 
• FlexHousing is a Canadian concept of housing that incorporates, at the design and construction state, the ability to make future changes easily and with minimum expense, to meet the evolving needs of its occupants.

There are many misconceptions regarding universal design. Let's dispel some of the most common myths.

Myth 1: Universal design is nothing more than design for people in wheelchairs.

FACT: The opposite is true. To be considered universal, a design will be accessible not only to people in wheelchairs, but also to people of most sizes, shapes and abilities. Universal design applies to people tall or short, young or old, left-handed or right-handed, visitors to an unfamiliar city or home, parents with children, people carrying packages and more.

Myth 2: Universal design only helps people with disabilities and older people.

FACT: Universal design extends the benefits of functional design to many people including short or tall people, large people, frail people, or even pregnant women, as a few examples.

Myth 3: Universal design costs more than traditional design.

FACT: Many universal concepts are standard products and cost no more than traditional products. The degree of customization and quality of the products will have the greater impact on cost.

Myth 4: Universal design is stigmatizing because it looks medical.

FACT: The best universal design is invisible. When done well, universal design enhances both the appearance and personality of a space as well as the function of that space for a variety of users.