From style to safety — an overview of grab bars and how to find the best fit for your home.
Tag: Universal Design
An interview with Dr. Katie Hansen, OT, about considering sensory needs in design.
An interview with Danise Levine, Assistant Director of the IDEA Center at the University of Buffalo.
Tips for designing and setting up a home entrance that is functional, safe, and germ-free!
An overview of alarms and alert systems for the Deaf and hard of hearing that can actually keep us all safe!
A discussion about the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. How far have we come? Where can we go next to make spaces equitably accessible?
Rebecca Langbein joins in on the conversation to discuss unique design tips that benefit those with memory loss, yet are helpful for all.
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Universal Design TED Talks
Recently, we had a Good Fit Poor Fit listener write in hoping to learn more about Universal Design. Like many of us these days when seeking to learn something new, our listener was scanning the web for TED talks that discuss Universal Design but was having trouble finding what she was looking for. We agree […]
Learn why little details make a big difference in the design and layout of a bedroom.
If communities can change how things are done with this virus, we can transform the approach to home design for families with and without disabilities.
Our design advisors shared their feedback on a sink that is height adjustable and swings to different locations. Yet, is it universal?
How do we figure out what makes a universally designed home affordable to build?
“Your home should be the great equalizer – where your disability doesn’t matter.”
We discuss some uniquely universal ways to cut down on clutter plus keep things organized and accessible.
Our design advisors weigh in on a kitchen design. Is it a good fit or a poor fit?
Experiential education! Deeper understanding is gained when people can practice tasks then apply lessons learned to their life.
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Costs to build are rising.
Hannah Hoyt takes a deep dive into a number of issues related to the costs of multifamily housing in her newly-published report with Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, More for Less? An Inquiry into Design and Construction Strategies for Addressing Multifamily Housing Costs. It’s worth a read. There’s a lot to talk about, but […]
“It was not until I actually gained more access in and out of the house that my health truly got better. My mental health went up and I felt more worth than I had felt before.” -James
Kati reflects on her experience as an occupational therapy student and discusses how she promoted our organization and her future profession.
We should be designing universally accessible homes for future generations now.
People with disabilities regularly compromise on housing based on what’s financially accessible, often negatively affecting physical and mental health.
Experiences as occupational therapists collaborating with building and design professionals.
Even though these tubs are a current design trend, we polled our Design Advisors and they all agree this product’s design isn’t safe for most people.
Collaboration between an occupational therapist and a lighting designer will result in exterior lighting that’s a good fit for everyone.
Kati, an occupational therapy student, shares a story about how her client was able to look and feel her best for a special event because her bathroom was universally designed.
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Smart Home Technology
There are several “smart” devices that improve the functionality and safety of a home. They’re great options for universal design.
Our thoughts: Social distancing is now mandatory in the US due to COVID-19, but some people with disabilities experience social isolation every day.
We discuss how the internet isn’t always accurate in the description of universal design, and what our Design Advisors thought of this ramp/stair design.
A backyard party at someone’s home turns from excitement to heartbreak when you have to question if you can attend the due to inaccessibility.
Sarah discusses how her friend increased the functionality of her garden by using raised garden beds and how an outdoor space improves mental health.