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Universal Design, A Key to Age-Friendly Salem Valerie Fletcher, Execu0ve Director Ins9tute for Human Centered Design ---PAGE BREAK--- An interna0onal educa0on and design nonprofit organiza0on, headquartered in Boston and founded in 1978, dedicated to enhancing the experiences of people of all abili0es, ages and cultures through excellence in design. ---PAGE BREAK--- What IHCD does to meet that mission. . . in the US and globally u Educa9on & Training on Accessibility and Universal Design u Technical Assistance u Consul9ng on Accessibility and Inclusive Design (physical + digital) u Design Services (physical + digital) u Research - Contextual Inquiry with “User/Experts” ---PAGE BREAK--- Design powerfully and profoundly influences everyone and our sense of confidence, comfort, and control. Varia9on in ability is ordinary, not special, and affects most of us for at least part of our lives. 2 core beliefs… www.HumanCenteredDesign.org ---PAGE BREAK--- www.HumanCenteredDesign.org “Why design if it doesn’t change the human condi9on?” Niels Diffrient, Humanscale (1928 – 2013) ---PAGE BREAK--- 21st Century Demographics, Our gift from the 20th Century ---PAGE BREAK--- 20th Century Impetus Social Sustainability Profound POSITIVE impact of human behavior. . . We live longer and survive more than ever before in human history – across the globe ---PAGE BREAK--- Global Aging ---PAGE BREAK--- Dis0nct sub-sets with different life experiences and different needs and desires among people 65+ 65+ sub-sets Old Old – 85+ Young Old 65-74 Old 75-84 ---PAGE BREAK--- § Childhood/Adulthood/Oldhood § Human diversity reaches its apex in old age § Life is a three-act play Old People are Not All the Same* *13 August 2017 Louise Aronson, Professor of Gerontology, University of California Medical School ---PAGE BREAK--- Massachusebs Aging Popula0on u Massachusebs Ranks #14 for States for Median Age at 39.4 years u Baby boomers make up 24% of the Massachusebs popula0on u The percentage of the popula0on age 65+ has increased from 13.8% to 15.8% from 2010 to 2016 ---PAGE BREAK--- MassachuseUs Demographic Reali9es to 2030 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 in 7 people on the planet have a disability 80% live in the developing world 2014 Disability ---PAGE BREAK--- 19% of the popula9on ---PAGE BREAK--- Most common reasons for func0onal limita0on among adults in the US u Arthri0s u Back problems u Heart disease u Respiratory disease u Sight + hearing limita0ons related to aging « Number of people with difficulty walking is 10X those who use wheelchairs ---PAGE BREAK--- Sensory limita0ons of people in the US Sight 17.M over 40 with chronic visual impairments (Na0onal Ins0tutes of Health, 2014) 85% of people who are “legally blind” have low vision, just 15% fully blind Hearing 26.7M – 50+ with hearing loss (AMA, 2012) 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing (NIH 2016) .23% Deaf (cannot hear or understand speech) ---PAGE BREAK--- Light! Because of normal physiological changes, people in their 60s need three 0mes more ambient light for comfortable reading than those in their 20s. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1. Specific learning disabili0es 4.9% 2. Speech/language impairments 2.9% 3. Other health impairments* 1.9% 4. Intellectual limita0ons 5. Emo0onal disturbances 6. Au0sm 7. Developmental delay Other “health impairments “ include having limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems. (US DoE) Most prevalent types of disabili9es for children in U.S. 13.1% of all youth age 3-21 80% are based in the brain ---PAGE BREAK--- Au9sm Spectrum Disorder 1 in 68 children has been iden0fied with ASD (CDC) Alzheimer’s Disease 5.4 M now 13.8 M by 2020 Anxiety Disorders 40M US adults per year 18 and older A rising 0de of brain- based condi0ons Depression is the most common mental health condi0on among older adults – 80% treatable ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 broad categories of functional limitation: Physical Mobility Dexterity Strength Stamina Balance Sensory Sight Hearing Speech Touch Brain-based Neurological Learning Developmental Mental health Cognitive Brain injury Substance Abuse ---PAGE BREAK--- The floor of universal design: key issues from accessibility ---PAGE BREAK--- Accessibility laws and codes recognize that design is a civil and human right for people with disabili0es – now nearly global. Accessibility is framed in terms of Rights + Responsibili9es ---PAGE BREAK--- But, today two unintended consequences prevail: § An assump0on that there is a sharp line between ‘us’ and ‘them’ § “Just tell me what I have to do” is inadequate ---PAGE BREAK--- AND the standards focus overwhelmingly on one group: § People who use wheelchairs ---PAGE BREAK--- Two architects who had polio illuminated a new way to think about designing for people today Ron Mace, FAIA - US Selwyn Goldsmith - UK Stressed that we need to be clear about the difference between accessibility and universal design. Accessibility focuses on people with disabili0es. Universal design an0cipates human diversity and offers solu0ons at the general level. 1941 - 1998 Cri0qued accessibility as “top-down” provisions for people with disabili0es. He argued for a shis to a “bobom-up” way of thinking that reframes normal as an0cipa0ng diversity of ability. 1932-2011 ---PAGE BREAK--- Universal/Inclusive Design ---PAGE BREAK--- …a framework for the design of places, things, informa@on, communica@on and policy that focuses on the user, on the widest range of people opera@ng in the widest range of situa@ons without special or separate design… Human centered design (of everything) with everyone in mind universal design… inclusive design… design-for-all? ---PAGE BREAK--- 1. Equitable Use 2. Flexibility in Use 3. Simple, Intui0ve Use 4. Percep0ble Informa0on 5. Tolerance for Error 6. Low Physical Effort 7. Size and Space for Approach and Use Principles of Universal Design Using the Principles of Universal Design one can beber understand how good, thoughtul, design can affect all of us. [Developed by a group of US designers and design educators from five organiza@ons in 1997. Principles are copyrighted to the Center for Universal Design, School of Design, State University of North Carolina at Raleigh.] ---PAGE BREAK--- v Func0onal limita0on as a universal human experience v Equalized mental and physical reasons for limita0ons v Defined disability as a contextual variable: Func9onal limita9on becomes disabling based upon the intersec9on of person + environments ICF Redefined Disability in 2001 . . . Environment holis0cally defined: ü Physical ü Communica@on ü Informa@on ü Policy ü Social/AStudinal ---PAGE BREAK--- ICF In refining disability as a contextual . . . WHO recommended Universal Design as the most promising framework for iden0fying the “facilitators” responsive to the rising propor0on of func0onal limita0on and support independenc, quality of life and full community integra0on. ---PAGE BREAK--- Madrid Interna0onal Plan of Ac0on on Ageing (2002) Ensuring enabling and supporting environments ---PAGE BREAK--- Illustra0ons of Universal Design at Home ---PAGE BREAK--- The design is usable by people with diverse abilities. 1. Equitable Use Principle ---PAGE BREAK--- Equitable Use 800 sq. s. 2 bedroom Ireland Features: A. Mul0purpose porch with electrical outlets B. Entry with clear door width of 40” C. Wide internal hallway with closet storage D. U-shaped kitchen with more than 6 feet between opposing work surfaces E. Adaptable layout with flex doors to change to two- bedroom layout from one or reverse F. Bathroom next to main bedroom G. “hard spots” included in ceiling construc0on for poten0al lis H. Accessible half-bath in center of space ---PAGE BREAK--- Equitable Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Equitable Use - the home office Humanscale Horizon light & Liberty Chair Flexible height corner desk - Evodesk ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Principle . The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abili0es. Flexibility in Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Flexibility in Use – renovation ---PAGE BREAK--- Flexibility in Use Courtesy: Jane Langmuir Rolling work bin § Expands counter space § A lible truck for moving heavy things from one place to another ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Principle . The Use of design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentra0on level. Simple and Intuitive Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Simple and Intuitive Use – the holy grail of remotes! HOW DOES IT WORK? Avoid Mistakes Locking set-up prevents accidental reprogramming Only Three func0ons One-Touch on/off works both the TV & set top box, volume controls the TV and channel operates set top box Program favorite channels for personalized viewing ---PAGE BREAK--- Simple and Intuitive Use Beber Homes and Gardens Sept 2001 Photograph Joan Vandershuit ---PAGE BREAK--- Simple and Intuitive Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Principle Perceptible Information 4 The design communicates necessary informa0on effec0vely to the user, regardless of ambient condi0ons or the user’s sensory abili0es. . ---PAGE BREAK--- Perceptible Information – increasing natural light Somerville renova0on (IHCD project) § Extra light with new windows § Work surface with good ligh0ng and contrast § Wall-mounted ovens ---PAGE BREAK--- Perceptible Information Undercabinet mo0on-sensi0ve ligh0ng under the bathroom counter ---PAGE BREAK--- Perceptible Information – visually permeable for a deaf couple Courtesy, Robbie Nichols, AIA ---PAGE BREAK--- Perceptible Information - thermostats VIP Talking Thermostat announces day, 0me, room temperature and temperature sewng. Nest Thermostat § High contrast § Easy to turn ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 Principle . The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended ac0ons. Tolerance for Error ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error Induction cooktop ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error Induction cooktop ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error House numbers 2012 International Property Maintenance Code ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error – Stair safety Integrate lighting into the stairs Add a board to eliminate the nosing ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error Stairs § Handrails on both sides § Color variation from tread to edge ---PAGE BREAK--- Tolerance for Error Toto Washlet RETROFIT in any toilet – just needs an electrical connection ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Principle . The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Low Physical Effort ---PAGE BREAK--- Low Physical Effort Level threshold with good drainage Japan ---PAGE BREAK--- Low Physical Effort Trash Compactor Carrying & storing of household trash can be reduced by 75% to a single compactor bag per week for small households ---PAGE BREAK--- Low Physical Effort Courtesy: James Pirkl Easy reach everything – mix of natural and ar0ficial light ---PAGE BREAK--- Low Physical Effort Delta Faucet 2.0 technology Courtesy: Delta Faucet ---PAGE BREAK--- Low Physical Effort Washer/Dryer § Front loaders with front controls § Well lighted area § Working surface above ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 Principle . Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipula0on, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility. Size and Space for Approach and Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Size and Space for Approach and Use Entry (new construc0on) Level entrance with a drain Light above the door Canopy Side light for light in the hall and to see out Door is good contrast to surrounding wall Clear number ---PAGE BREAK--- Size and Space for Approach and Use Basement Renova0on (Major) Arlington VA § Overhead & “telephone” shower § Lots of ligh0ng L l h ---PAGE BREAK--- Size and Space for Approach and Use Limited Use Limited Applica0on Home Elevator § 25 feet maximum travel § 18 square foot maximum car size § Fully automa0c controls § Reasonably affordable as a retrofit or new construc0on ---PAGE BREAK--- Size and Space for Approach and Use Adjustable beds Makes a significant difference for: § Edema § Back Pain § Sleep Disturbances § Pain Disorders ---PAGE BREAK--- Size and Space for Approach and Use Courtesy: James Pirkl, FIDSA Soaking bathtub § Generous edge for siwng § Easy to reach controls whether you’re inside or outside § Window blinds are remote controlled § Teak flooring on top, teak surround below Courtesy: James Pirkl, FIDSA C Mi h l Ki AIA ---PAGE BREAK--- How do we get there? ---PAGE BREAK--- How do we get there? Catalyze a community of learners and innovators who believe that life in all its variety is our collec0ve good fortune and a vehicle for richer experiences. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Strategy: S0ll need to know what people need & want – Research with real people in real places! Ø We need to understand what works and what fails for the wide range of func9onal issues among people Ø Contextual Inquiry Research with “User/Experts” who have developed exper0se by means of their lived experience in dealing with the challenges of the environment due to a func0onal limita0on. Ø It builds data that informs design and helps to set priori9es. ---PAGE BREAK--- Document. Document. Document. (Photos, videos, notes, journals, etcetera) ---PAGE BREAK--- Strategy: Use municipal policy to make universal design a tool for age- friendly ci0es Ø Zoning adjustments – support homeowners to create Addi0onal Dwelling Units (ADU) in their homes for use by a family member Ø Loan Assistance for home repairs & avoidance of foreclosure Ø Universal Design as a policy for new mul0-family residen0al projects permibed by the City In place now in California, Ireland, England, Norway, Singapore, Japan…. ---PAGE BREAK--- Last points. . . § Difference in ability is ordinary and universal § Limitations are contextual – universal design is a framework for minimizing them § Think holistically across the WHO 5 environmental contexts: physical, information, communication, attitude, policy. ---PAGE BREAK--- Muchas Gracias! [EMAIL REDACTED] www.HumanCenteredDesign.org