Considerations for Special Needs Users Universal Design.
-
Upload
noelle-larkin -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
0
Transcript of Considerations for Special Needs Users Universal Design.
Considerations for Special Needs Users
Universal Design
What is it?Universal Design implies that well-planned
designs will meet the needs of every user without drawing attention to persons with disabilities.RampsDoor openingsDoor handlesCounter heights
LegislationAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Became law in January 1992Eliminates discrimination caused by the
imposition of barriers restricting persons with disabilities
Disabilities protected:Difficulties or limitations walking, hearing, seeing or
using their hands
ADANot necessary to tear down existing
structures with stepsNew planning and design is to be
“universal”When universal design is impossible,
accessibility is imperativeIn our homes the choice is still ours, but in
public, accessibility is the law.
Accessible DesignAccessibility is the law in nonresidential
designIt is optional in design for single-family
homesIt’s remarkable that home designs rarely
planned accordingly, given that we may all encounter some form of impairment at some point in our lives
Barrier-Free DesignEntrances level or accessed by gentle
slopesGarage level with the utility entranceDoorways wide enough for wheelchair
passageBathrooms large enough to maneuver a
wheelchairGrab bars in bathrooms
Floor Plan
Design for Motion ImpairmentsPersons using canes, walkers, crutches or
wheelchairsAlso includes those with loss of ability to
use hands
Steps and RampsMinimum slope for ramps is a rise of 1 foot
for every 12 feetSteps should not have protruding nosing
that will catch toes of shoes (those with braces, stiff legs, etc)
Ramps and steps should be well litHandrails to be 34 – 38 inches above
Specific size and grip requirements
Passage and Turning32 – 36 inches at doorways; 36 inches in
passages60 inches for a wheelchair to turn 180
degreesClear floor space is 30 by 48 inchesLever-type handles instead of roundFloors should have a flat, nonskid surfaceChange in floor depth greater than ½-inch
forms a barrier
Door Handle
KitchensCountertop heights of 28, 32 and 36, with
maximum dept of 24 inchesUpper cabinets adjustable to several
heights. 8 inches above counter is minimum
Handles on upper cabinets should be mounted a maximum of 48 inches from floor
Leave space under counter, especially at sink, hot water pipes insulated
KitchensPull out traysWall mounted ovens and microwavesCooktops with staggered burnersControls for cooktops should be front
mounted
Kitchens
Kitchen with Movable Sink
Kitchen with Movable Sink
Kitchen Cabinets
BathroomsGrab barsAbility to turn the wheelchair aroundShower controls mounted no higher than
32 inchesNo cabinet under sinkVanity mirrors mounted low enough for use
by someone who is seated
Bathrooms
Bathrooms
Bathrooms
BedroomsMattress height equal to height of
wheelchair60 x 60 in clearance between door and bed
or storage and bed
ClosetsBifold or sliding doorsRods mounted 45 to 54 inches highSlide-out shelves
Around the HouseElectrical outlets 27 to 28 inches about
floorElectrical switches 36 inches above the
floorDrawer pulls “D-Shaped”Windowsills set at a maximum of 36 inches
to make windows accessibleCrank opening windows
Around the House
Around the House
Hearing ImpairedCarpet and fabric wall coverings reduce
noise reverberationGood lighting for manual communication
and lip-readingFurniture arranged in a semi-circle or U-
shaped facilitates signing and lip-readingRound dining table is better due to clear
sight lines
Hearing ImpairedVisual signals such as flashing lights
provide visual cuesPhone, doorbell, alarm clock, fire/smoke
alarms, crying babiesSpecial phone systems – TDD – screen and
keyboard
Visual ImpairmentBlind need tactile cues
Door handles, curbs, landingsHandrails extend beyond the landing, go
floor to floor continuouslyBraille within the signageAudible signals at crosswalks, in elevators
and emergency systemsGas cooktops (gas makes a sound as it
burns)
Visual ImpairmentHooks next to electrical outlets to hang the
plugFurniture with rounded edgesUnobstructed walking space
Design for the ElderlyVisual contrast is important in judging
space and distanceCountertop light or dark in contrast with the
floor, this helps with depth perceptionColor coding of areas or floors may be
helpful