Universal Design in Single-Family Housing in Davidson, North Carolina

In 2013, Davidson Design for Life conducted a health impact assessment (HIA) that examined the health impacts of incorporating universal design and visitability features within single family homes in Davidson, NC. Universal Design is defined as the “design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”  In terms of residential design this means including a step-free entrance route that blends into the overall design, wide doorways, a bedroom and bathroom on the lower level, and placing light switches and outlets at appropriate heights for children or sitting adults. Additional universal design features are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms including: adjustable or multiple countertop heights, extending and removable cabinets or drawers, lever faucets, attractively designed grab bars, and a curbless shower with a handheld shower head.