Week 6: Examination of the Environment

Question 1

What is the purpose of environmental examination?

Answer 1

• Identify design barriers that compromise performance of tasks
• Determine patient’s safety and level of function in the environment

Question 2

What is included in environmental examination?

Answer 2

• home
• rooms
• neighborhood
• community
• transportation
• school or work

Question 3

define accessibility

Answer 3

the degree to which an environment affords use of its resources with respect to an individual’s level of function

Question 4

define universal design

Answer 4

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

Question 5

define barrier

Answer 5

environmental factors that, through the presence or absence, prevent optimal function

Question 6

define accessible design

Answer 6

structures that meet prescribed standards for accessibility

Question 7

define evidence based design

Answer 7

The process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes

Question 8

What are the principles of universal design?

Answer 8

• Equitable use
• Flexibility in use
• Simple and intuitive
• Perceptible information
• Tolerance for error
• Low physical effort
• Size & space for approach and use

Question 9

What are the methods of environmental assessment?

Answer 9

• Patient interview
• Self-report instruments
• Visual depictions
• Diagram
• Photos, video, Skype
• On-site visit

Question 10

exterior surfaces should be

Answer 10

smooth, level, well-lit, covered

Question 11

steps should be

Answer 11

• < or = 7in high
• > or = 11in deep
• no “nosing”
• anti-slip

Question 12

handrails should be

Answer 12

• 34-38in tall
• at least one side should extend 12in beyond foot and top of the stairs
• at least 1.5in from wall
• 1.25-2in diameter