Resources for Universal Design and Accessibility Modification for the Home for Seniors and Disabled -Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

As the baby boomers age and the sandwich generation expands, the need for universal design and modifications to the home has increased. Please find a list of helpful websites with information with solutions for home accessibility for seniors and the disabled. Please cut and paste these links into your browser.

AARP:
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/

AARP Checklist for accessibility:
http://www.aarp.org/family/housing/articles/home_special_needs_checklist.html

Center for Universal Design:
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/

Universal Design Consultants / Generic Universal Design:
http://www.universaldesign.com

Universal Design:
http://www.udeducation.org/

Visibility concepts for housing:
http://concretechange.org

Website that supports Concrete Change.org concepts:
http://www.visitability.org

Visitability in Pennsylvania – basic information on accessibility:
www.visitabilitypa.com

Easy Living Homes:
http://easylivinghome.org

Universal Design Principles:
http://www.udeducation.org/learn/aboutud.asp#principles

Paralyzed Veterans of America – accessible design:
http://www.pva.org/site/PageServer

Consumer Appliance and Electronics Accessibility Initiative:
http://www.accessible-devices.com/appliances.html

Dynamic – Living – appliance accessibility:
http://www.dynamic-living.com/article/kitchen-appliances/

American Foundation for the Blind – update on home appliances:
http://www.afb.org/AFBPress/pub.asp?DocID=aw080104

Accessible Kitchen Design:
http://www.cnet.com/8301-13553_1-9950714-32.html

Bob Villa website with accessible design info / kitchen design info:
http://appliances.bobvila.com/Article/334.html

Iowa State University – home design and accessibility:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/UniversalDesign/

Appliance 411 – info on accessible appliances:
http://www.appliance411.com/faq/handicap.shtml

Age-in-Place At Home – site shows the benefits of universal design housing and products, telecare technologies, and other assistive products that can make life easier at home:
http://www.aipathome.com/

Handi-Ramp – provides ramps and lifts for personal homes, commercial, vehicles, etc., even ramps for pets
http://www.handiramp.com

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications - order aids and appliances to assist with everything from household chores to extraordinary adventures:
http://www.homemods.org/

Mangar International – bathtub equipment:
http://www.mangarusa.com/us/index.aspx

First Housing Accessibility First – HUD program to promote Fair Housing design and construction:
http://www.fairhousingfirst.org/

Sinclair Housing:
http://www.tenten.mb.ca/guide.htm

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research:
http://www.abledata.com/abledata_docs/icg-hous.htm

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) credential for contractors – construction and remodeling:
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=667&genericContentID=9334

Extended Home Living Services, Inc. – accessibility contractor, has a GREAT checklist called “CASPAR” for assessing home environments:
http://www.ehls.com/

U.S. Rehab – sponsors the Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) designation:
http://www.usrehab.com/CEAC/

Book about accessible housing, The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical Needs:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Accessible-Home/Creative-Publishing-International/e/9781589230613