30 | ESSENTIAL PREPARATION
The floating comfort-height toilet with large wall-mounted controls located near the stylish grab bar and the zero-clearance shower enclosure ensure long-term bathroom access and functionality.
Universal Design Principles
WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR LIVING SPACE by Chad Speight
Universal Design supports aging in place gracefully for family members and accommodations for guests who are physically challenged in some way by incorporating common sense solutions for better living. The idea is to create spaces that are easier and safer to live in, allowing all occupants to maintain maximum mobility and independence. When considering the function and design of your living spaces, it’s helpful to review the 7 Principles of Universal Design as articulated by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). MARCH–AUGUST 2022 JOURNEY OF AGING
Principle 1: Equitable Use Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
Design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
Use of design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal fatigue.
Principle 4: Perceptible Information
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
Design communicates necessary information effectively to the user
Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use
