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Universal Design Recommendations for Accessibility

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Universal Design Recommendations for Accessibility San Mateo County Commission on Aging and Commission on Disabilities UNIVERSAL DESIGN: 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 addition to the U.S. Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Subsequent Amendments and the California Disabled Access Regulations, The San Mateo County Commission on Aging and Commission on Disabilities recommends the following: Entrance and Exterior Paths and walkways to be fully and adequately illuminated Main entrance designed with a van accessible, safe, weather protected drop-off/pick-up area Intercom system at entrance and within the units should allow for amplification and be at an accessible height Lever switches to control entry/exit lighting should be installed at the exterior of units, next to doorways (photo, timed or motion sensor controlled lighting excepted) Illuminated doorbell button, installed at a height of no more than 48" All door handles should lever type (power assisted doors excepted) Community Space Multiple story buildings should have a centrally located elevator with accessible control panel and an accessible communication device for emergencies Accessible mailboxes near a waiting area Laundry rooms should be located in an easily accessible area. They should include adequate lighting, folding tables, front-loading washers and dryers with easy to reach controls and accessible vending machines Laundry rooms and mailboxes should be located in every residential building Trash shoot (located on each floor) at an accessible height and with an easy pull weight (dumpster lids are too heavy). If there is a trash room, it should be conveniently located Smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, security systems, etc. should have strobe and horn for hearing and visually impaired Work counter tops, literature racks and bulletin boards should be at an accessible height § If there are swimming pools and spas they should be accessible Common area tables should not be limited to permanent seating attachments Unit Interior Adequate lighting Easy to operate windows. Double pane. Prefer side-to-side operating Sufficient, accessible storage with rods and shelving that are adjustable without the use of tools Smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, security systems, etc. should have strobe and horn for hearing and visually impaired Phone or emergency button should be located in the living area, bedrooms and bathrooms Intercom systems that allow for amplification and located at an accessible height Light switches should be touch or rocker type If there is a unit laundry facility it should be large enough to accommodate accessible machines (stacking units are not accessible) Kitchen Kitchen cabinets installed below counter tops should be designed with pull out drawers or other devices to bring items within easy reach. Doors should be sliding or pocket style Easy to use cabinet knobs Counter tops should be made of an easy to clean material and should be a color that shows dirt Stove controls should be easy to use and safely located All control switches should be easily accessible (lighting, garbage disposal, vent hood) Prefer side-by-side refrigerator / freezer Bathroom There should be a source of heat in the bathroom Bathroom vanity cabinets and cabinets installed below counter tops should be designed with pull out drawers or other devices to bring items within easy reach. Doors should be sliding or pocket style Shower faucets should have automatic temperature control to avoid scalding There should be a stall shower that is equipped with a hand held shower attachment Stall showers should have a permanent seat (easy to operate, fold up seat is preferable) Quality of Life Located near public transportation and shopping Create an accessible space for gardening Accessible exercise room with machines bolted to the floor Indoor and outdoor sitting areas spread out around the site Please contact the Commission to receive the Universal Design Recommendations for Accessibility brochure. Top of Page