THE
ABCs of UNIVERSAL DESIGN
(Remember to check off ABCDEF on every project)
A Accessible Route
B Bathrooms and Kitchens
C Controls
D Doors
E Electrical, Mechanical, Acoustical
F Furniture and Fixtures
The ABC’s of UD in Every Space
A Accessible Route
- 3’ clearance
- 4’-5’ halls
- 5’ turn-arounds in all rooms
- Not exceeding a 5% slope
B Bathrooms and Kitchens
- 3/4” plywood on all walls
- 9” kick with drawers
- 4’ max. height of most storage
- Wall mounted cabinets - attached splash
- Flattened “J” trap - horizontal drain pipe
C Controls
- 4’ max. height
- Usable with a closed fist
- 4’x2’6” clear floor space at each control
D Doors
- 3’ width - door bottom instead of
threshold
- 5’ x 5’ clear floor space on both sides of all doors where possible
- Where not possible, use sliding or automatic doors
E Electrical, Mechanical, Acoustical
- 100 fc of glare free lighting on rheostats where visual acuity is required.
- Radiant under-floor heat
- Control of ambient and transmitted noise
F Furniture and Fixtures
- 1’5” to 1’7” seat height including toilets
- 2’3” clearance below accessible surfaces
- 4’ height max. on most storage
- Side hinged appliances
- Shower with trench drain and seat
- Support and wiring for bathroom lifts
- Non-slip and non glare finishes
- Furniture arms and grab bars well forward
- Vertical & horizontal bars at showers, baths, & toilets.
Please click here for the ABCs of Universal Design slideshow presentation in PDF format.
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For more information, please contact Cynthia Leibrock
or send an email to Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org.
