Universal Design Guidelines

Universal Design:

The design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.

Today’s successful architects, builders and developers include these easy living features in their homes. You should consider Universal Design for seniors and people with disabilities when designing, building, marketing or buying a home. The City of Oxford encourages Universal Design in all new construction and renovation projects.

Principles: A Universal house begins with three essential components: a step-less entry, wider doors and halls, and a usable bathroom. Without them, no dwelling can be considered Universal. In addition to the basic three, a Universal home includes a variety of other features that provide convenience, safety, and ease of use. The combination produces a Universal home.

Benefits:
• Makes buildings unique, houses stand out from the competition
• Appeals to a larger number of prospective buyers
• Attracts referrals from health care professionals, elder care experts, social workers and real estate agents.

Cost Considerations:
• Many Universal Design features are not more costly, especially if installed during construction rather than retrofitted.
• It costs less than one percent to make new construction accessible for people with physical limitations.
• Many appliances, fixtures and cabinets that accommodate Universal Design are standard products.

Feature Checklist:

General Features:	Kitchen Features:
Wider halls (3' 6” vs. 3'0)	Large luminous ceiling with increased light level
Single-level home with no stairs	Single lever handle sink faucets
Kitchen, bath and master bedroom on one floor with wider doors	Under counter lighting
One outside entrance without stairs (36 inch door width)	Cook top with front controls
Lever-handle door pulls, instead of knobs	Wall oven at lower height
Graded entrance way	Side-by-side refrigerator
Lower windowsills	Raised dishwasher
Lower light switches	Cabinets with pull out Lazy-Susan shelves
Raised electric outlets	Wheelchair accessible U-shaped kitchen
Wired for security and computers	Bathroom:
Smaller, low-maintenance yard	Walk-in oversized shower w/ seat
Manageable terrain, not too steep	Wider doorway (36-inch)
Emphasize safety and maximize accessibility	Grab bars in tub, shower and by toilet (or reinforce walls for future installation)
	Single-handled faucets
	Raised vanities (32” vs. 30”)

Universal Design Links:

Universal Design Education: http://www.udeducation.org
Adaptive Environments Center: http://www.adaptenv.org
Center for Universal Design: http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud
Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) Center (SUNY, Buffalo)
http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/~idea
National Association of Home Builders Research Center http://www.nahbrc.org
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification http://www.homemods.org
Universal Design and Home Accessibility (Iowa State University Extension:
http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/pages/housing/uni-design.html
Universal Design Homes, Home Plans & Resources for Better Living:
http://www.udhomes.com
U. S. Access Board (ADA-related issues and technical assistance)
http://www.access-board.gov

For additional information, specification, and assistance, contact:

LIFE Independent Living Center
1914 University Ave.
Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-7010
800-748-7471
zdlifenor@bellsouth.net

Oxford-Lafayette-Economic-Foundations' Retiree Attraction Program
P.O. Box 108
Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-4651
800-880-6967
retire@oxfordms.net

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