Explanation includes listing governmental regulations regarding housing, interior design, and construction and summarizing the seven design and construction requirements for compliance with the Fair Housing Act, as follows:
- An accessible building entrance on an accessible route
- Accessible public and common use areas
- Usable doors (usable by a person in a wheelchair)
- Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit
- Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations
- Reinforced walls in bathrooms for later installation of grab bars
- Usable kitchens and bathrooms
Process/Skill Questions:
Thinking
- What are local, state, and federal regulations regarding housing, interior design, and construction?
- In what areas do these regulations overlap? How do they agree or differ?
- What is the importance of each of the Fair Housing Act requirements?
Communication
- How can design professionals communicate the need to comply with government regulations to clients and contractors?
- How might social, cultural, or ethnic differences in the client population influence communication?
Leadership
- What should design professionals do to encourage compliance with government regulations regarding housing, interior design, and construction?
- What skills and knowledge do design professionals need to recognize cases of disregard for such regulations?
Management
- What resources help explain the regulation of housing, interior design, and construction?
- What strategies help ensure compliance with governmental regulations regarding housing, interior design, and construction?
- What is the local procedure for reporting suspected cases of noncompliance with regulations?