|
This is an area that we don't know much about from
personal experience. We have found some great websites however and they
are listed below.
If you feel strongly about something, if you have
experience of particular products in the home that make life easier
for you, ideas to help adapt
existing situations or have something to say about design
difficulties or hazards you have experienced, why not get in touch.
e mail us at disability@roomreview.com
The following comments highlight some of the issues
involved:
"I am concerned by my lack of knowledge in this area. Sure I know some
basics like ramps and toilet facilities, hand rails and socket heights but
I really have no idea about the availability of products designed to meet
special needs."
"The normal run of interior design magazines don't seem
to deal with it and neither do the television programmes, at least
not regarding design in the home."
"Its almost as if we only deal with it in the public arena . Ramps
and disabled toilets is as far as we get."
"As far as the home goes you only deal with it if you
have to."
"I am a bit more aware of the problems recently, as I have a friend with
Multiple Sclerosis who is now coming to a time when there are many issues
to deal with in terms of design around the home, and a need for products
of all kinds to ease the situation as much as possible. It would be great
if you could help with ideas."
Well, none of us are getting any younger and according to statistics there
are at least 20% of the population dealing with some sort of dis-ability. That's a lot
of people with a direct concern in this aspect of design, so we'll see
what we can learn.
We particularly like one idea that often features in disability related
websites, sometimes referred to as "Universal Design".
The
Center for Universal Design in North Carolina University defines it in
terms of seven principles:
The Seven Principles of Universal Design
1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and
marketable to any group of users.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design
accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the
design is easy to understand.
4. Perceptible Information: The design
communicates necessary information effectively to the user.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design
minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or
unintentional actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be
used efficiently and comfortably.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use:
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach and use.
You see, designing for the disabled is really not very different to
designing for anyone else. It's a case of finding out what someone needs
(which means asking the right questions and then listening carefully to
the answers) and finding a design solution that satisfies them.
Sounds easy doesn't it, but we're still finding out how that one works.
Disabled or not, everyone's needs are different, so for us interior design
will always be an ongoing learning process, and that's what keeps it fresh
and exciting.
Outlinks
Disability
Rights Commission
Manchester based site containing News, Campaigns, and Interviews
Disability
World Webzine
US based Web-zine with International disability news and views
Disability
Online
Well set-out, award winning information directory
Disability
Resources Monthly
A huge, well-organised site, with 'Universal Design' links.
Cornucopia
of Disability Information
A Universal Design page from Buffalo
disAbility
Jim Lubin's well-known information & resources site
Yourable.com
Information, products and services for disabled people
|
