You've Got It ... They Need It: All You Need to Do Is Convince Them!
By Weinstein, Laurence; Modern Homes Magazine, pp. 16-19Publication Date: March-April 2008
Article discusses the benefits of factory-built homes that incorporate the principles of universal design for the “baby-boomer” generation that wishes to age in place. Impediments to accessibility for all inhabitants of a home regardless of age and physical ability, the concept guiding universal design, include steps leading up to the front door, narrow hallways and doorways, round door knobs, hard-to-reach upper and lower cabinet shelves, and poor lighting. The author, an architect and builder who promotes new-home building and home modifications incorporating universal design through the non-profit Livable Homes Initiative (http://www.livablehomes.org), outlines elements of a “Universal Design featured Livable Home” including (1) hallways of 42-inch minimum width; (2) 36-inch-wide doors; (3) full-extension drawers in lower kitchen and bathroom cabinets; (4) accessible spaces underneath the kitchen sink, cook-top, and bathroom sinks; (5) elevated, front-load dishwasher and clothes washer/dryer; (6) clear 5-foot-diameter spaces in all rooms to accommodate a wheelchair; (7) a curbless shower, (8) electrical outlets, light switches, and thermostats mounted at accessible heights; and (9) energy-efficient, high-output fluorescent lighting throughout the home. The author also recommends a PR effort similar to that of the pharmaceutical industry be launched by the homebuilding industry to bring awareness to aging consumers of the advantages of a manufactured modular home over a traditional on-site built one.
Published by: Manufactured Housing Institute (Website:http://www.manufacturedhousing.org)
Link to text: http://www.manufacturedhousing.org/mhomes/pastissues/mar-apr08/weinstein_feature.pdf
