Habitat for Humanity built a house at the Ohio State Fair once again this year, and Ohio State 's College of Human Ecology faculty members made it better.
Universal Design is a worldwide concept saying all environments and products should be made accessible for all people. OSU faculty members designed the building in accordance with those concepts.
"Universal Design includes features that make things accessible for all ages and abilities," said Janet Ciccone, spokeswoman for the College of Human Ecology. "It is a concept that is important nationwide, but isn't very well-known."
Dr. Susan Zavotka, associate professor from the department of consumer sciences, Dr. Christine Price, extension state specialist in gerontology, and Dr. Margaret Teaford, assistant professor of occupational therapy, along with interior design students, Katie Whitman and Courtney Burnett, met with Bob Perryman, director of Habitat for Humanity of Columbus. They discussed the importance of Universal Design and decided what features needed to be included in the house.
"The features in Universal Design are for all people," Zavotka said. "It makes sense."
"OSU, Lowe's, and Habitat all worked together on this project," Zavotka said. There were several Universal Design features used in the Habitat for Humanity house, including a landscaped, no-step entry to the home, 36-inch-wide doorways, lever door handles, rocker electrical switches, ceiling lights in every room, night lights, grab bars in the bathroom, a handheld adjustable showerhead, multilevel shelving in closets, front controls on appliances and many other features.
The group from OSU put information around the Habitat house, signifying the Universal Design aspects, and also gave tours and talked to people coming through the house about universal design.
"All homes should be constructed following Universal Design principles," Zavotka said. "If it is built right the first time it is easier for everyone to use. A small child can be more independent, an elderly person can live easier."
"Doorways that are 36 inches wide would work for everyone," Zavotka said. No matter what size they were, if they were in a wheelchair, or if someone was moving furniture, it is easier to use. Simple design modifications can greatly improve the accessibility of a house and make everyday life much easier for all people."
Ohio State Extension compiled a list of Universal Design features to be included in all homes.
The list included first-floor bedrooms, baths, kitchens, living areas, and laundries; handrails on both sides of all stairways; walk-in or roll-in showers; grab bars in shower and tub areas; accessible storage, user-friendly lighting; easy-grip controls such as lever faucets and door handles, D-shaped pulls, rocker panel light switches, and larger-sized controls. There should also be accessible work surfaces and appliances, safe flooring, and safety devices in all homes.
"Universal Design helps make life easier on everyone involved," said Mary Baughman, a junior in Human Development and Family Science. "It's not just for the handicapped, the elderly, or children - it helps everyone."
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