about universal design

A home that incorporates universal design principles enhances the livability for family members at all stages of life and welcomes people of all ages and abilities. It extends beyond the structural features, i.e., wide hallways, level thresholds and roll-in shower stalls to appliances, utensils and other household products.

Download a printable copy of the Universal Design Checklist

universal design Showcases

The Green Mountain Ranch is a living lab featuring the complementary aspects of universal design and green living designed by Universal Design expert Cynthia Leibrock. The house is visitable by wheelchairs users and adaptable to tall and short users, to people with low vision and low hearing, to those who want to do rehab at home, and to those requiring a caregiver. All features are visually integrated, not advertising age or disability.

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The Baldwin House is a good example of an urban solution for an ‘aging-in-place’ home with features that may seem intended for a person with a disability but that make everyone's lives easier as well.

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general features
  • Accessible path of travel to dwelling
  • Maximum 1/2" vertical change in level at thresholds
  • 32" wide interior doors
  • Lever door hardware
  • Rocker light switches
  • Strike edge clearance at doors: 18" interior; 24" exterior doors
  • Entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer
  • Doorbell at 48" maximum height in accessible location (36")
  • Visual fire alarms and visual doorbells
  • Switches, outlets and thermostats at 15" to 48" above the floor
  • Residential elevator or lift
  • Closet rods and shelves adjustable from 3' to 5'6" high
bathroom features
  • Grab bar backing in walls
  • Grab bars
  • 5' diameter turning circle
  • 36" x 36" or 30" x 48 clear space
  • Lavatory with lever faucet controls
  • Open-front lavatory with knee space and protection panel
  • Contrasting color edge border at countertops
  • Anti-scald devices on all plumbing fixtures
  • 17" to 19" high water closet seat
  • Roll-in shower in lieu of standard tub or shower
  • Shower stall with 4" lip in lieu of standard tub
  • Hand-held adjustable shower head
kitchen features
  • 30" x 48" clear space at appliances or 60" diameter clear space for U-shaped kitchen
  • Removable base cabinets at sink
  • Countertop height repositioning to 28" high
  • Lever controls at kitchen sink faucet
  • Base cabinets with pull-out shelves
  • Base cabinets with Lazy Susans
  • Contrasting color edge border at countertops
  • Microwave oven at countertop height
  • Under cabinet task lighting
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