Please go to your kitchen, stand in the center, and ask yourself a question: What simple changes would make this area more enjoyable for myself and others? Keep your response simple, meaning that the changes you identify are nothing as expensive or labor-intensive as new counters, flooring, paint, or appliances....
Universal Mistake
Universal design is often confused with handicap access. This mistake isn’t limited to the average person just learning about universal design, it is one also made by the pros. I recently saw two designs that were supposed to be universal and missed the target. The first was an expensive wayfinding...
The Walk-In Tub .. Brrr
Not every idea touted as universal design makes sense. The walk-in bathtub is one example. Do you know the one I’m talking about? The picture in the advertisement shows a young 60-ish and happy guy or gal in their bathrobe stepping in or out of the tub through a door,...
Technology
What are some of the technologies that support universal design (and aging-in-place)? PERS (personal emergency response system): These are those medical devices that you wear at home that link to a central station where help can be dispatched quickly; these little devices give you and loved ones great peace of...
New Videos from Ohio State
Welcomed videos from Ohio State’s Universal Design team! Check out the 5-part series on YouTube; rather than get too technical, it provides more of an impression of why you might want to include it in your next renovation project. They use a house opening party to walk you a few...
Moving In … With Renewed Purpose
Topics: Blog, Universal Design
Universal Design Resource is completing a year-long transition into a new website. What better time than now to recreate the mission for this blog? The blog at Universal Design Resource is open to multiple authors – that includes you. Like most blogging, it is a place for opinion to be...
Geriatric II
With forethought and planning, you can recognize and then optimize the ability to enjoy life, reduce chances of hospitalization or institutionalization, and continue independent living. This might be for yourself or for someone you care for such as a parent, spouse or sibling. Consider this endeavor as meaningful as having...
Geriatric Planning
I don’t really do something that we are all supposed to do: I don’t have a fire emergency plan for my home – not really. I live in an attached-house part of town and know my neighbors, as do my kids. There’s a lots of people just a few doors...
Guidelines for UDR Website
Topics: Blog, Universal Design
Originally planned in 2006 as the universal design store, it became instantly obvious that it would be so much more, it would be a resource. It is for the person who heard a hint, perhaps in a passing conversation, about universal design and wants to understand. It is for the...
I Owe You: I.O.U.S.A.
Topics: Blog, Universal Design
Warning: This blog entry has strong moral overtones. I just watched the documentary, I.O.U.S.A. It’s about our nation’s economy. What’s clear is that we don’t need a terrorist hiding in a cave or a rouge dictator to wipe out this great country, we’re doing a fine job by ourselves. The...