Educating Consumers About Universal Design

Taking an idea for improving home and family life and putting it to use is a long and often frustrating task, particularly when it involves changing the family's intimate environment. As we face an aging population and support equity in access and independence regardless of ability, the concept of universal design is such an idea. Universal design is "design for the lifespan." Incorporating universal design features into public buildings and homes would improve their usability and convenience for all without labeling them as structure for the elderly, handicapped, or people with special needs. Universal design features include level door threshholds; wider door openings; easily grasped or pulled hardware; adjustable storage, counter, and work surface heights; seated work spaces; and materials and finishes that provide for safety and ease of movement. These features enhance the safety, security, and usability of a home from the youngest to the oldest member of a family.

To educate the public about universal design, a study of perception and willingness to accept selected residential features was done. One group of consumers and another of housing providers were taken on a tour of the Bartlett Independent Living Laboratory on the campus of Oklahoma State University. This facility was planned to demonstrate features of an accessible living environment. Tour participants completed a questionnaire about the features shown and their feelings about usability and convenience in housing. The idea of universal design was defined and discussed throughout the tour.

The majority of consumers and providers surveyed believed universal design features would improve general housing design and many would like these features in their own homes. In addition, 70% of the consumer participants indicated universal design features would be desired if they were shopping for a house in the future, six percent wouldn't want the features, and the remainder were neutral. By comparison, 56% of the providers thought consumers would want such housing in the future and 40% felt they wouldn't. Participants' comments about universal design features included fear of added cost, potential of added value, general lack of consumer understanding or knowledge about housing, and failure to plan ahead for physical and family needs.

The survey indicated the need to educate consumers and encourage the use of universal design to benefit the public. Some universal design features would add cost to construction, but in most instances those costs are under $50. For example, changes such as wider doors in new construction add nothing since there's a comparable savings in wall finishing. Adjustable shelves and counters cost more than fixed features, but are desirable. Offset plumbing adds less than $2 to the cost of a tub/shower. Programmable and self-monitoring utility controls may be more costly, but equipment life and energy-efficiency are enhanced. With increased demand, some of these features would also likely drop in price.

If homes are renovated or updated, the use of universal design elements may add minimal extra cost giving the structure extra adaptability. For instance, loop and lever hardware can be selected in replacing door or drawer handles.

Extension professionals have a role in promoting the concept of universal design. Although these functional design features are already noticeable and will gradually increase in public buildings, they are less likely to be used in homes. Myths, misperceptions, and lack of awareness inhibit the inclusion of universal design into residential structures. Extension professionals, beginning with those involved in housing and construction-related programs can demonstrate universal design principles and be objective sources of news and ideas about it within their communities. Extension education for both housing consumers and producers about universal design can help to ensure that today's homes meet the needs of a changing population.