Week 9 - Universal Design and Accessible Housing

Question 1

Define: Universal Design

Answer 1

-the design of products and environments to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need of adaptation
-male, female, child, speak different language, physical/mental disabilities etc
-Especially beneficial to:
People with physical disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities
People who are elderly

Question 2

The Principles of Universal Design:

Answer 2

1. Equitable Use
   - identical when possible, equivalent when not
   - avoid segregation and stigmatization
   - appealing to all
2. Flexibility in Use, ex. left and right-handed scissors
   - provide choice as to method of use
   - left or right handed
   - facilitate user accuracy and precision
   - adaptability to user’s space
3. Simple and Intuitive Use, ex. handsfree soap dispenser
   - simplify
   - stimulus + response consistency
   - varying language skills
   - prompting and feedback
4. Perceptible Information
   - maximize lighting conditions regardless of user’s sensory abilities
   - maximize legibility
   - redundant cueing for essential information, ex. visual and auditory
5. Tolerance for Error, ex. sink with built in “shroud” to protect against scalding
   - minimize consequences of errors
   - warnings of hazards
   - no “eject buttons”
6. Low Physical Effort
   - neutral body position (sitting stance, limited reach)
   - reasonable operating forces needed to operate in environment
   - minimize repetitive actions/fine motor skills and sustained effort
7. Size and Space for Approach and use
   - applies especially to wheelchair users
   - 60”/5ft. diameter turning radius
   - reduced reach

Question 3

Define: Wayfinding (Universal Design)

Answer 3

• all of the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place
• must be clear

Question 4

What is the preferred ramp slope for accessible housing?

Answer 4

1:15 OR 1:20
1:12 is the minimum
(height/rise : length/run)
-curves in ramps must be wide/broad enough for easy turning

Question 5

Wheelchair accessible work spaces must:

Answer 5

1. provide space for the wheelchair itself under the work surface
2. provide for the limited reach of the seated worker

Question 6

Define/explain: Visitability (Universal Design)

Answer 6

• a movement to change home construction practices so that virtually all new homes offer a few specific features making the home easier for mobility-impaired people to live in and visit
• not merely those custom-built for occupants who currently have disabilities
• an ideal

Question 7

What are the three mandates of visitability:

Answer 7

1. a ‘zero-step’ accessible entrance from the street/sidewaldk and main floor
2. ½ bathroom on the main floor
3. doorways must be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair