The Top Ten Things to Consider When Talking Inclusive Design

1. Who lives in your home now, who might be living in your home in the future, and how long you’d like to live in your home.

2. Consider a design and layout that incorporates open floor plans with wide walk ways and doorways.

3. Utilize “No-step” entries and One-story layouts and design for current or future use of a wheelchair.

4. Inclusive Design in the Kitchen. Consider lower kitchen cabinets, more easily accessible oven and oven doors.

5. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting. Make sure there is enough lighting throughout the home.

6. Inclusive Design in the Bathroom. Install non-slip surface on the floor and the bathtub or shower, and install handrails and adjustable height shower head, curb less showers, etc.

7. Make sure wall switches are at a height accessible to everyone.

8. Throughout the home install door levers or handles instead of door knobs.

9. Front loading washer and dryer for accessibility.

10. All of these things will increase the value of your home as well!