Project Overview
Kathleen Whitman, Courtney Burnett, Dr. Meg Teaford, Dr. Susan Zavotka, and Dr. Christine Price meeting to work on the Universal Design web project.
Universal Design is a worldwide movement based on the concept that products and environments can be attractively designed to consider the needs of the widest possible array of users. By applying Universal Design techniques, interior features such as flooring, lighting, stairways, and appliances can be built to maximize safety for all and independence for those with physical or mobility limitations.
Currently, individuals of all ages lack the knowledge, skills, and resources to apply Universal Design concepts or complete home modifications that enable aging in place or provide safe and accessible homes. Additionally, builders and contractors serving the public are often not informed about Universal Design concepts. As a result, senior housing units and residential homes are repeatedly built without Universal Design features making them inaccessible to much of the population. The Universal Design philosophy and products related to this topic are not commonly recognized or readily available to the public (i.e., not available in standard retail stores). As a result, there is a need to disseminate Universal Design and home modification information to seniors, families, and new home buyers as well as those individuals who have the ability to alter the current state of home environments (i.e., building professionals, occupational therapists, social workers, and home improvement retailers).
The goal of this project is to provide statewide community education about the principles of Universal Design and home modification. The project is directed to (1) consumers, whether they are parents with young children or seniors preparing to "age in place" and (2) social service professionals, builders, and consumer retailers who can help Ohioans to make their homes both convenient and attractive.
Read more about the projects impact.
Project Acknowledgements
We would like to give a special thanks to those who gave us their time and assistance in this project.
- Lowe's Home Improvement Stores: Columbus
- Dave Fox Remodeling
- Habitat For Humanity: Greater Columbus Area
- Mark Mustard
- Bob Perryman
- Dr. & Mrs. William Loadman
- Karla Eldridge & Brian Portez
- John & Priscilla Mead
- April Lashbrook
A student from the service learning class showing a Lowe's customer Universal Design products
Gavin using his Universal Design raised dishwasher
A standard refrigerator showing its limitations for small children
A freezer bottom refrigerator for easy reach for people of all heights
A Universal Design extra wide front walk with sturdy handrails on both sides
Standard front walk that could easily be made a Universal Design feature buy slowly inclining the front walk to create a no step entry
Universal Design extra wide front entry hall with double doors
Student Mary Fish from the service learning course conducting an educational workshop on Universal Design
The Habitat for Humanity woman's build at the Ohio State fair. From Left to right: Courtney Burnett, Dr. Susan Zavotka, Dr. Christine Price, Homeowner Robynn Dukes, Dr. Meg Teaford, and Kathleen Whitman
A Universal Design front door with surrounding windows for safety
