Visitability and universal design

Visitability

Visitability is a growing trend nationwide. The term refers to single-family housing designed in such a way that people with disabilities may visit.

<b>Basic requirements include:</b>

At least one no-step entrance

Doors and hallways wide enough to navigate through (more than 32 inches of clear space)

A main-floor bathroom big enough to get into in a wheelchair, and close the door.

In other words, visitability means a person with a disability could get in and out of the house and be able to use the bathroom - the essentials for visiting, according to Concrete Change, a grass-roots group that has promoted visitability through its Web site at www.concretechange.org.

Last year, Naperville, Ill., and Pima County, Ariz., made news by passing visitability ordinances.

A number of cities, including Austin, Texas, and Urbana, Ill., have
ordinances that mandate visitability features in single-family housing paid for with public money. Atlanta, the first city to pass a visitability ordinance, now has more than 500 single family homes with visitability features. The Santa Monica, Calif., law was the first to extend to all new housing. Farther north in California, San Mateo County also encourages visitability.

Universal design

Universal design is a holistic approach to creating environments and products that are usable by many people regardless of their abilities or age. It was developed by architect Ron Mace, the founder of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University and former president of Barrier Free Environments, an architectural consulting firm.

<b>The principles of universal design are:</b>

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

Flexibility in use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Simple and intuitive use. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills or concentration level.

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

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

Low physical effort. The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

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

<b>Examples of universal design: </b>

Supermarket doors that open electronically so anyone may enter easily, including mothers with baby strollers, children, wheelchair users and others with mobility and sensory impairments.

Transit shelters that are free of architectural barriers and offer information via voice activation.

Lever handles on doors.

Homes designed using visitability concept.


Square bottle caps that are easier for everyone to open.

<font size =2>- N.C. State University, The Center for Universal Design, Temple University, andThe Center for an Accessible Society </font size =2>