It’s expensive to have a disability. Why? Is it cheaper to design and build for the masses than it is to design for inclusivity? Or, are our designers and builders just ignorant and don’t know any better? Or, is it because we still think that people with disabilities are rare?...
Assistive Technology & UD, Part II: Physical
When an able-bodied person thinks about disability, it’s physical disability that comes to mind for most. A whole range of physical limitations blurs into a blue and white symbol of a person in a wheelchair, special parking spaces near entrances, and the odd cavernous feeling bathrooms. This oversimplification misses the...
$10 or $1000, Choose
Last week I wrote about visitability. Today I’m surfing the ‘net and discover in the Justice for All blog that the Inclusive Home Design Act (IHDA) has been reintroduced in the House by U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. On a metaphysical note: start thinking and speaking the world you wish to...
‘Time’ To Do It Right
I was struck by an article by Dr. Dr Sunil Bhatia in that way when a subject just doesn’t leave you alone – it kept popping up in my thoughts. Dr. Bhatia created and runs the Design For All Institute of India and publishes a monthly newsletter. He recently wrote...
‘Time’ To Do It Right, Part II
Topics: Blog, Universal Design
On the April 13th post, I looked at the impact of time on design. Five hundred words were insufficient. I have since expanded the article and given it as a brief speech. Below is an abstract followed by links to the video and the article itself. Abstract: Time was measured...
10 Simple Home Improvements for Seniors
Are you 55 or older? What would be the simple improvements to make your home get you another ten years of usability? AARP does annual surveys to assess the desire to age in place, and the means which people are employing to do so. This annual survey, in its fifth...
10-Minute Improvements
“I did not know that!” There are many steps one takes toward becoming a universal design environment and many are as simple as a trip to the store or a few simple changes in the home. Many are common-sense improvements which contribute to your home working with greater ease. Increase...
A Pet Cat?
Parents of young children sometimes find themselves facing the pet cat question. They never had a cat, they never wanted a cat, but now their child is begging for one. In private, the parents discuss the pros and cons. Well, the cat needs to be fed, taken to the vet...
A Reading List
I recently received a call from someone seeking building specifications for universal design. She wanted to know heights, distances, widths, brightness, etc. I humbly told her that I’m not the spec guy. Those are codes and in the USA, codes are local, very local. Not only do you want to...
A White House Disabillty Agenda
“We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination…. policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities.” —...