Categories of Design - Aging in Place
Designing for accessibility for persons who are aging in place, who have suffered trauma, or who have progressive disease generally is described as: Universal, Adaptable, Accessible, and Visitable.
Sonrise Construction considers the needs and develops proper design for each client with a disability. Additionally, Sonrise Construction is knowledgeable of the local and state building codes that pertain to residential properties, and will follow those codes as is appropriate.
Universal Design - The expression refers to the design of products and environments to be convenient and functional for all people, to the greatest degree possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
There are seven principles of Universal Design as follows (as provided by 1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design):
- Equitable Use - For people with diverse abilities, this design is both useful and marketable.
- Flexibility in Use - A wide range of individual preferences and abilities are accommodated by this design.
- Simple and Intuitive Use - Regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level, the use of this design in easy to understand.
- Perceptible Information - Regardless of prevailing conditions or the user's sensory abilities, this design communicates necessary information effectively.
- Tolerance for Error - Hazards or adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions are minimized by this design.
- Low Physical Effort - Use of this design is efficient and comfortable with a minimum of fatigue.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use - Regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility, appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use.
Adaptable Design - This design addresses problems of individual differences and changes in capability over time.
Accessible - This design addresses the particular needs of the individual who has a disability, but does not necessarily work for anyone else.
Visitable - This design refers to a minimum level of accessibility that will allow a person using a wheelchair basic access to the ground floor of a home.