Objective 1.03:

Explain ways to adapt housing to meet special needs.

Special Needs for Children Install gates at top and

bottom of stairs Lock all cabinets Secure door knobs Cover outlets.

Special Needs for the Elderly

Floors of one type (all wood, all vinyl) for walkers and wheelchairs

Remove rugs Provide safety bars in the bathroom

near toilet; bars and seat in tub area.

Additional lighting in hallways

Lever style handles on doors and sinks.

Special Needs for Wheel Chairs

Doorway thresholds flush with floors

Ramps.

Knee space at stoves and sinks.

Special Needs for Impaired Vision

Mark the flooring changes with reflective paint

Create unobstructed traffic patterns

Telephone should have large numerals or Braille.

Special Needs for Hearing Impaired

Install lighting to flash for doorbells, smoke alarms, and telephones

TTY/TDD: teletypewriter/telecommunications device for the deaf.

Universal Design

Many of the features we have just looked at can be beneficial to people without physical limitations

This is called Universal Design and was developed by Ronald Mace at NCSU

Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities, not just those with disabilities, at little or no extra cost.

Examples ofUniversal Design

Entrances

Level Covered Full-length side

windows.

Kitchens

Knee space Variable height work

surfaces Pull-out shelves Lever-type water

controls.

Pull Down Shelves

Bathrooms

Adjustable height shower headGrab barsMirror extending downward.

General Interior

32” – 36” minimum door openingsLever door handlesAdjustable height closet rodsWindows placed low on wallsElectrical outlets 18” from floor.

Practice Universal Design

Identify the changes that need to be made to this kitchen so that it meets Universal design principles.