10 Myths About Universal Design (Part 2)

Myth: The builder and their subcontractors are used to doing it their way and will not follow my design properly to include universal design features. It's too hard to change their building process.

Reality: Builders are becoming certified through the National Association of Home Builders in the Certified Aging in Place Specialist program and are learning how to utilize universal design principles. Builders are insisting that their subcontractors read the plans and follow the procedures for building new homes. As products are ordered by the builder, the universal design features are already a part of the design. As builders construct more homes with universal design features, universal design will become the new standard in the building industry.

Myth: A home containing universal design features will be harder to pass a building code inspection.

Reality: By the very nature and definition of universal design, there are no practices that go against federal and state building codes. There are also provisions for local variances should a question arise in the plan review stage.

Myth: Universal design homes have ramps at the front door causing the home to be labeled as a home for a person with a disability.

Reality: In order to create a no step entrance, there are some instances where a ramp at the front door is the only solution. However, by modifying the grade around the home, there are many properties that can be designed with a no step entrance. If ramping is needed elsewhere, such as in the garage, side door, or rear door, the ramp is not visible from the street.

Myth: Universal design is restricted to building a ranch style home.

Reality: First floor living is the goal for universal design, however, multilevel homes can also be constructed with provisions for access to the upper and lower floors by way of elevators, platform lifts and stair lifts.

Myth: Only a small number of people with disabilities and the elderly will benefit from universal design.

Reality: Universal design is human-centered design. The inclusive design of spaces and products will benefit people of all ages, with or without physical or mental limitations. No one can predict when a short term or long term disability will be a part of our lives. It is far better to plan for homes to accommodate us as we age rather than to be forced out of our homes when circumstances change.

Read about the 10 Myths About Universal Design (Part 1)

Reference: http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-center/askus/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=87