THE HOMES FOR LIFE COALITION
OF HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND

Homes for Life Coalition Encourages
Visit-ability, Barrier-free and Universal Design

Visit-ability: Visit-ability is a term gaining recognition and political support across the country and in Europe. A visit-able home allows visitors and residents with different abilities and changing needs welcoming access to the main floor living area.

Basic features of a visit-able home are:

·        One zero-step entrance to the main living area

·        All main floor interior doors – including bathrooms – with 32 inches of clear passage space

·        At least a half bath, preferably a full bath, on the main floor

Source: Concrete Change

Barrier-free: Rooms, entrances, and environments that are designed to minimize or eliminate barriers like steps; thresholds greater than ½”; and narrow, cluttered, or restrictive passages.

Source: AOTA Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Home Modifications

Universal Design: Universal Design (UD) is the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Source: Center for Universal Design, North Carolina University

Basic Universal Design features are:

·        At least one no-step entrance

·        Complete living area including master bedroom and bath on first floor (or elevator access if multi-story)

·        36” wide front door with exterior lighting

·        Interior doorways at least 32” wide (36” is preferable)

·        Clear hallways 36”–42” wide

·        Blocking for grab bars in bathroom walls near toilet, tub and shower

·        Lever handles on interior and exterior doors 

·        Thresholds ¼” in height or less (1/2” if tapered)

·        Switches and outlets 20”-48” from floor

Benefits are . . .

·        Life is easier for people with aging parents who come to visit grandchildren or stay

·        A family is more likely to be able to remain in the home if a member must use a walker or wheelchair

·        It is easier to bring in baby strollers, grocery carts and heavy or bulky furniture

·        Anyone in a cast, on crutches, or using a walker or wheelchair can easily get in your home

·        Re-sale value is enhanced

Whether building a new home or remodeling an existing home . . .

Think Visit-ability, Barrier-free and Universal Design

Problems? Contact Webmaster at rroberson@howardcc.edu