Real Estate: Accessible Housing by Design

People who inhabit and visit the houses and homes we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to seniors, with various ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow up, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, our housing needs change. A house or dwelling that is designed and constructed to reflect the principles of Universal Design will be safer and more accommodating to the diverse range of ages and abilities of people, who live in and visit these homes.

Principles of Universal Design

Principle 1 — Equitable Use
Principle 2 — Flexibility in Use
Principle 3 — Simple and Intuitive
Principle 4 — Perceptible Information
Principle 5 — Tolerance of Error
Principle 6 — Low physical effort
Principle 7 — Size and space for approach and use

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.” The concept is an evolving design philosophy.

The first principle focuses on providing equitable access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. It means that the design is appealing to everyone and provides an equal level of safety for all users. Principle 2, flexibility, means that the design of the house or home has been developed considering the wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the life cycle of the occupants.

The layout and design of the home should be easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience or cognitive ability. Principle 3 requires that design elements be simple and work intuitively.

The provision of information using a combination of different modes, whether using visual, audible or tactile methods will ensure that everyone is able to safely and effectively use the elements of the home. Principle 4 encourages the provision of information appealing to all of our senses when interacting with our home environment, using our sight, hearing and touch.

Principle 5 incorporates a tolerance of error, minimizing the potential for unintended results. This involves design considerations that include failsafe features and give thought to how all users may safely use the space or product.

Principle 6 deals with limiting the amount of strength, stamina and dexterity required to access spaces or use controls and products.

The final one, Principle 7, focuses on the amount of room needed to access spaces, equipment and controls. This includes designing for the appropriate size and space for all family members and visitors to safely reach, see and operate all elements of the home.

Do I Need a Building Permit Before Starting the Construction?

Before commencing the construction of any ramp, it is always a good idea to contact your local building department to find out if a building permit is required. The building department may also be a great source of information on how best to design and construct a ramp in your area.

Building permits are generally not required when the changes in level are minor and a ramp is an integral part of landscaping (sloped sidewalks, re-grading, etc.), or when a portable ramp is used. However, building permits are usually required for longer ramps or where there is a significant change in level.

When should you consider using a ramp?

A ramp can be used to overcome changes in level, either on the inside or outside of a home, as an alternative to using stairs. Many First Nations communities use ramps instead of stairs at their main entrances.

A ramp is ideal for people who are having difficulty negotiating stairs for various reasons, be it the need to carry heavy objects between levels, move a child in a stroller, or because of a disabling condition. Having a ramp at a change in level demonstrates Principle 2, flexibility in use; it provides easy access to a facility to people with disabilities as well as others. Providing both stairs and a ramp at changes in level will allow people to choose the option that best suits their needs, resulting in a flexible and more universally accessible design.

Design of Ramps

Ramps are particularly useful for overcoming changes in level up to about 760 mm (30 inches). Using ramps for changes in level greater than this requires a great deal of space — which may or may not be practical. If you are faced with a large change in level, consideration should be given to installing a vertical or inclined platform lift as this may be a better strategy than constructing a ramp. The physical and monetary costs associated with both options should be fully explored when making a decision on the option that will accommodate the greatest number of users.

(Information from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

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