This US site elaborates on the Americans with Disabilities Act, describing the scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities. Of particular importance are the sections on grab-rails, stairs, ramps and bathing facilities.
This is a comprehensive site that provides information on universal design for the home. This section of their website provides comprehensive checklists that can be used to assess the accessibility and universality of your home’s design. Included are checklists covering doors, floors and walkways, bathrooms, kitchens, safety, lighting and storage design. The questionnaires address such aspects as lighting, positioning, safety, reach, type and design of fixtures and home areas.
The Abledata website was designed to provide access to information and details on assistive devices for people with disabilities. The site features an online catalogue with over 20 000 products for people with disabilities. Users may search for products by key word, product type, company, or brand name.
This is an extensive site that contains information on past, current and future research projects, policies, practice, legal outcomes, educational issues, opinions, events, and services. The full list of members, staff and consultants and their contact details are also provided through the site.
Accessibility to the built environment affects a large number of people within society. It is accepted throughout the European Union that at any one time 15-20% of the population will have a significant level of disability of a temporary or permanent nature.
Engineers, planners, and designers have used Leonardo de Vinci’s ‘average man’ as a guideline for their work. It has become the basic model on which the majority of designs are based. Yet there is no such thing as the ‘average man’.
This site provides descriptions and contact details for companies that specialise in assistive technology including mobility equipment, driving devices and lifts. There are also a limited number of links to architectural firms that offer accessible housing designs. The opportunity for companies to list their products is provided. Currently the site has a limited number of resources.
Housing for the 21st century is changing. More than ever, it is necessary to design living space that meets the needs of all people, young, old, short, tall, disabled and able-bodied. There's an exciting design principle called Universal Design that helps achieve this objective. Using Universal Design and applying principles for affordable building techniques results in a product that serves a broad range of people.
Managed as part of a site for avid gardeners, this page contains a list of books about accessible gardening. Each book is pictured with a brief synopsis and details for purchasing.
A site showcasing products for people with varying physical abilities and impariments in various settings focusing on universal design.
The adaptive access website has information regarding wheelchair accessible home construction, handicapped home modifications and remodelling. Based in Huston, Texas, the site provides information on wheelchair accessible house plans, home modifications, bathroom remodelling, accessible doors, offset hinges, accessible kitchens, grabbars and accessible closets.
