Universal design

VHFA and several agency partners held a two-day conference March 27 and 28, 2003 on universal design. Called "Designing for the Ages," this conference brought people together to discuss this important topic and learn about specific principles, best practices, and practical knowledge. Here are the materials presented during that conference:

North Carolina University's Center for Universal Design is a national leader on the subject. Its Web site has tons of information including publications on:

• Principles of universal design
• Housing
• Accessibility requirements and standards

The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) at the University at Buffalo is another tremendous resource. Its Web site also has publications on:

• Examples of universal design
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and universal design

There is a growing market of people who need or want universally designed homes:

• Thirty-Something (Million): Should They Be Exceptions?
• Home and Garden TV did a piece called "Universal Design Aims at Graying Boomers"

Kansas State University has listed several of the most common steps to making housing accessible. KSU created a how-to guide for no-step entrances, an important part of universal design. And there's a case study of a fire-safe adaptable demonstration house.

The National Association of Home Builders has a tool to help evaluate buildings for aging-in-place. It has specially trained certified aging-in-place contractors in Vermont who specialize in this market.

The National Park Service created a brief to help make historic properties accessible.