Considerations for Special Needs Users

Universal Design

What is it?Universal Design implies that well-planned

designs will meet the needs of every user without drawing attention to persons with disabilities.RampsDoor openingsDoor handlesCounter heights

LegislationAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Became law in January 1992Eliminates discrimination caused by the

imposition of barriers restricting persons with disabilities

Disabilities protected:Difficulties or limitations walking, hearing, seeing or

using their hands

ADANot necessary to tear down existing

structures with stepsNew planning and design is to be

“universal”When universal design is impossible,

accessibility is imperativeIn our homes the choice is still ours, but in

public, accessibility is the law.

Accessible DesignAccessibility is the law in nonresidential

designIt is optional in design for single-family

homesIt’s remarkable that home designs rarely

planned accordingly, given that we may all encounter some form of impairment at some point in our lives

Barrier-Free DesignEntrances level or accessed by gentle

slopesGarage level with the utility entranceDoorways wide enough for wheelchair

passageBathrooms large enough to maneuver a

wheelchairGrab bars in bathrooms

Floor Plan

Design for Motion ImpairmentsPersons using canes, walkers, crutches or

wheelchairsAlso includes those with loss of ability to

use hands

Steps and RampsMinimum slope for ramps is a rise of 1 foot

for every 12 feetSteps should not have protruding nosing

that will catch toes of shoes (those with braces, stiff legs, etc)

Ramps and steps should be well litHandrails to be 34 – 38 inches above

Specific size and grip requirements

Passage and Turning32 – 36 inches at doorways; 36 inches in

passages60 inches for a wheelchair to turn 180

degreesClear floor space is 30 by 48 inchesLever-type handles instead of roundFloors should have a flat, nonskid surfaceChange in floor depth greater than ½-inch

forms a barrier

Door Handle

KitchensCountertop heights of 28, 32 and 36, with

maximum dept of 24 inchesUpper cabinets adjustable to several

heights. 8 inches above counter is minimum

Handles on upper cabinets should be mounted a maximum of 48 inches from floor

Leave space under counter, especially at sink, hot water pipes insulated

KitchensPull out traysWall mounted ovens and microwavesCooktops with staggered burnersControls for cooktops should be front

mounted

Kitchens

Kitchen with Movable Sink

Kitchen with Movable Sink

Kitchen Cabinets

BathroomsGrab barsAbility to turn the wheelchair aroundShower controls mounted no higher than

32 inchesNo cabinet under sinkVanity mirrors mounted low enough for use

by someone who is seated

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

BedroomsMattress height equal to height of

wheelchair60 x 60 in clearance between door and bed

or storage and bed

ClosetsBifold or sliding doorsRods mounted 45 to 54 inches highSlide-out shelves

Around the HouseElectrical outlets 27 to 28 inches about

floorElectrical switches 36 inches above the

floorDrawer pulls “D-Shaped”Windowsills set at a maximum of 36 inches

to make windows accessibleCrank opening windows

Around the House

Around the House

Hearing ImpairedCarpet and fabric wall coverings reduce

noise reverberationGood lighting for manual communication

and lip-readingFurniture arranged in a semi-circle or U-

shaped facilitates signing and lip-readingRound dining table is better due to clear

sight lines

Hearing ImpairedVisual signals such as flashing lights

provide visual cuesPhone, doorbell, alarm clock, fire/smoke

alarms, crying babiesSpecial phone systems – TDD – screen and

keyboard

Visual ImpairmentBlind need tactile cues

Door handles, curbs, landingsHandrails extend beyond the landing, go

floor to floor continuouslyBraille within the signageAudible signals at crosswalks, in elevators

and emergency systemsGas cooktops (gas makes a sound as it

burns)

Visual ImpairmentHooks next to electrical outlets to hang the

plugFurniture with rounded edgesUnobstructed walking space

Design for the ElderlyVisual contrast is important in judging

space and distanceCountertop light or dark in contrast with the

floor, this helps with depth perceptionColor coding of areas or floors may be

helpful