Objective 1 03 Explain ways to adapt housing

Objective 1. 03: Explain ways to adapt housing to meet special needs.

Special Needs for Children n Install gates at top and bottom of stairs n Lock all cabinets n Secure door knobs n Cover outlets.

Special Needs for the Elderly n Floors of one type (all wood, all vinyl) for walkers and wheelchairs n Remove rugs n Provide safety bars in the bathroom near toilet; bars and seat in tub area.

n Additional lighting in hallways n Lever style handles on doors and sinks.

Special Needs for Wheel Chairs n Doorway thresholds flush with floors n Ramps.

n Knee space at stoves and sinks.

Special Needs for Impaired Vision n Mark the flooring changes with reflective paint n Create unobstructed traffic patterns n Telephone should have large numerals or Braille.

Special Needs for Hearing Impaired n Install lighting to flash for doorbells, smoke alarms, and telephones n TTY/TDD: teletypewriter/telecommunications device for the deaf.

Universal Design n Many of the features we have just looked at can be beneficial to people without physical limitations n This is called Universal Design and was developed by Ronald Mace at NCSU n Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities, not just those with disabilities, at little or no extra cost.

Assignment n Begin on page 476 in Housing Decisions – “Benefits of Universal Design to All Users” n List at least 4 ways Universal Design can benefit people without physical limitations in each of these areas: Entrances n Kitchens n Bathrooms n General Interiors n

Examples of Universal Design

Entrances n Level n Covered n Full-length side windows.

Kitchens n Knee space n Variable height work surfaces n Pull-out shelves n Lever-type water controls.

Pull Down Shelves

Bathrooms n. Adjustable height shower head n. Grab bars n. Mirror extending downward.

General Interior n 32” – 36” minimum door openings n Lever door handles n Adjustable height closet rods n Windows placed low on walls n Electrical 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.

Live. Ability House (Designed by NCSU)

Assignment n Work with a partner n Find a picture of a living room, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom n Glue to construction paper n Identify and label changes that can be made so that the room will meet Universal Design criteria n Put both names on the BACK of your paper.