When Living in Your Home Becomes A Daily Struggle: The Benefits of Accessible Homes and Universal Design By: Samantha Lebron

A common topic discussed within the disability community is the need for affordable, accessible housing. A home is supposed to be a haven, a refuge to relax in, but for those with disabilities, an inaccessible home can be an unsafe hindrance. With the use of reasonable accommodations and universal design homes, people with disabilities can once again find a safe and accessible haven.

One of the first lessons a person with a disability learns is to adapt to the world around them. Those who cannot afford a fully customized accessible dwelling can find it frustrating and ultimately unsafe. When I moved into my first apartment. I was placed in a unit that had steps at the entrance. The steps had railings on both sides. I was able to lift my four-wheel walker up the steps one-handed while maintaining my balance by using my other hand to hold onto the railing as I walked up the steps. I did this for a while until I had a decline in my health and had to begin using a wheelchair. From that point on, I learned how inaccessible certain living situations were for wheelchair users. Be it steps at an entryway, no curb cuts, or inaccessible bathrooms, just to name a few.

One of the first things I did when moving into my next apartment was request a reasonable accommodation from the property management to install grab bars in my bathroom. They purchased and installed them at no cost to me. However, when the rehabilitation facility I was in asked for a ramp to be put in place, they declined the request, stating it would ruin “the outdoor aesthetic of the property”.

In my current apartment, when I requested reasonable accommodation, the results were surprising. The property management converted the tub to a walk-in shower along with the grab bars. It is not a roll-in; I still have to take a step up into my shower, but compared to a tub, it is more ideal. The bathroom layout is not suitable for wheelchair users. To use my bathroom sink from my manual pushchair, I have to be parallel with it and do everything sideways instead of facing forward. I cannot wheel all the way to the shower, which increases the risks for falls.

One might ask, if this apartment was not designed for a wheelchair, why would I move in? Those with disabilities who have a low or fixed income cannot afford a home that is customized to meet their needs. Accessibility should not be an afterthought when building a home for someone. Implementing the concept of universal design can mitigate this dilemma.

“Universal design is design that is usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

Ronald Mace led a group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers at North Carolina University in 1997 to develop the 7 Principles of Universal Design. 

1: Equitable Use    

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

2: Flexibility in Use

Design accommodates a wide range of individual abilities

3: Simple and Intuitive

The design is easy to use, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current    level of concentration.

4: Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient            conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

5: Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

6: Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, with minimal fatigue.

7: Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the      user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Overall, “universal design principles are accessible, allow you to age in place, and work for all generations.” The benefits of homes with universal design are that if you or any family member’s abilities change, you will not have to renovate or move out of your home.

Examples of universal design are zero-step entrances, curb cuts, and ramps, which benefit not only people with mobility issues but also those who use strollers. In work environments, this may include adjustable workstations and ergonomic furniture. Accessible bathrooms can feature roll-in showers, roll-under sinks, and mirrors that tilt to accommodate individuals of all heights and mobility levels. Handles that are easier to grab and use on doors, light switches, and faucets. 

Implementing universal design not only in homes but also in public spaces can make them accessible for everyone, not just those with disabilities.