Universal Design for Aging in Place
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Universal Design for Disability Housing course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Accessibility** #
**Accessibility**
Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environmen… #
It incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure that all users, regardless of age, disability, or other factors, can access and use a product or service safely, efficiently, and comfortably. Accessibility is crucial in housing and living spaces, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities, to enable them to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
**Aging in Place** #
**Aging in Place**
Aging in Place is the concept of enabling older adults to live safely, independe… #
It involves creating living environments that are accessible, adaptable, and supportive of the changing needs of older adults as they age. Aging in Place is critical in promoting the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults, reducing the need for institutional care, and saving healthcare costs.
**Assistive Technology** #
**Assistive Technology**
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to devices, equipment, software, or systems tha… #
AT can include mobility aids, communication devices, hearing aids, prosthetics, and adaptive computer equipment. AT can be integrated into the design of products, devices, or environments to promote accessibility and inclusion for all users.
**Building Codes** #
**Building Codes**
Building codes are regulations that establish minimum standards for the design,… #
Building codes can include accessibility requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which mandate accessibility features in housing and public accommodations. Building codes are essential in ensuring that buildings are accessible, safe, and usable by all users, including older adults and people with disabilities.
**Disability Housing** #
**Disability Housing**
Disability Housing refers to housing options designed and constructed to meet th… #
Disability Housing can include accessible and adaptable housing units, group homes, supported living arrangements, and other types of housing that provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Disability Housing is critical in promoting the independence, self-determination, and quality of life of people with disabilities, enabling them to live and participate fully in their communities.
**Ergonomics** #
**Ergonomics**
Ergonomics refers to the scientific study of the interaction between humans and… #
Ergonomics is essential in promoting comfort, safety, and efficiency in the use of products and devices, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Ergonomic principles can be incorporated into the design of housing and living spaces to ensure that they are accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users.
**Housing Design** #
**Housing Design**
Housing Design refers to the planning, layout, and construction of housing and l… #
Housing Design can incorporate Universal Design principles to ensure that housing is accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. Housing Design can also consider the specific needs and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities, such as visitability, accessible features, and adaptable design.
**Inclusive Design** #
**Inclusive Design**
Inclusive Design refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environ… #
Inclusive Design incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure that all users can participate fully and equally in society, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Inclusive Design is essential in creating housing and living spaces that are accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, including older adults and people with disabilities.
**Lifespan Design** #
**Lifespan Design**
Lifespan Design refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environm… #
Lifespan Design incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure that housing and living spaces are accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, regardless of age or ability. Lifespan Design is critical in promoting the independence, self-determination, and quality of life of older adults, enabling them to live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes and communities.
**Smart Home Technology** #
**Smart Home Technology**
Smart Home Technology refers to devices, systems, or applications that enable us… #
Smart Home Technology can include home automation, security systems, energy management, and health monitoring. Smart Home Technology can be integrated into the design of housing and living spaces to promote accessibility, convenience, and safety for all users, including older adults and people with disabilities.
**Universal Design** #
**Universal Design**
Universal Design refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environ… #
Universal Design incorporates seven principles, including equity, flexibility, simplicity, intuitiveness, perceptibility, tolerance for error, and low physical effort, to ensure that all users can participate fully and equally in society. Universal Design is critical in creating housing and living spaces that are accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, including older adults and people with disabilities.
**Visitability** #
**Visitability**
Visitability refers to the design of housing and living spaces that are accessib… #
Visitability incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure that housing is accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Visitability is essential in creating welcoming and inclusive communities, enabling all users to participate fully and equally in society.
**Wraparound Services** #
**Wraparound Services**
Wraparound Services refer to a range of supportive services and resources that a… #
Wraparound Services can be integrated into the design of housing and living spaces to promote accessibility, convenience, and safety for all users, enabling them to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Wraparound Services are critical in promoting the independence, self-determination, and quality of life of older adults and people with disabilities.
**Zero #
Step Entry**
Zero #
Step Entry refers to the design of housing and living spaces that are accessible and usable by all users, including older adults and people with disabilities, without the need for stairs or steps. Zero-Step Entry incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure that housing is accessible, adaptable, and usable by all users, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Zero-Step Entry is essential in creating welcoming and inclusive communities, enabling all users to participate fully and equally in society.