Title: Identify ways to design interiors to meet the principles of universal design and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.
Course: Introduction to Interior Design (19263-18) > Section: Investigating Influences on Interior Design

Identification includes

- the difference between guidelines (e.g., universal design) and federal laws (e.g., ADA)
- concepts of universal design and aging in place
- accessibility concerns of those with physical challenges
- interior features/items that may present accessibility problems for the physically challenged
- popular structural and nonstructural universal design features (e.g., no-step entrances, wider doorways, nonslip floors, pull-out shelves, easy-to-grasp handles) that make interiors easier for everyone to use, especially those with special needs
- ways universal design principles may be applied to structural and nonstructural interior features
- design and construction requirements for compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What are some interior features that commonly cause problems for the elderly and those who are physically challenged?
- How do universal design features lead to increased safety and convenience?
- How can an interior design professional evaluate the effectiveness of a universal design feature?

Communication

- What criteria are used by design professionals to determine client expectations regarding universal design features in a project?
- How can design professionals educate clients about the benefits of incorporating universal design features?

Leadership

- What leadership skills help design professionals incorporate universal design features into an interior design?
- What can design professionals do to encourage the use of universal designs?

Management

- What resources are available to design professionals for determining universal design features for a project?
- What strategies help design professionals decide which universal design features to incorporate into a project?