All about Universal Design and Aging-in-Place Design. We are the go to specialists in Universal Design and Aging-in-Place design in the Northwest. We help plan and prepare your home for whatever circumstance you may face. Whether age or disability has you limited in your home, we are here to show you all the possibilities you have to thrive. We specialize in safety, adaptability, comfort, convenience, and sustainability for your home.

1. Northwest Accessible Design
Universal & Aging-in-Place Design
Home • Business • Retirement Living • Hospitality:
Universal Design | Disability Living | Aging-in-Place

2. What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is a concept in design that products and
environments are usable by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without changing or modifying the environment.
What barriers do you face?

3. Accessibility to All
The home is set up to provide accommodations to everyone regardless of age,
size or ability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing feel.
In the near future all homes and products will be built with this
design philosophy: meet the needs of everyone.

4. Universal Layout
Examples of Universal Design:
• 36” doorways throughout
• Open/Visible storage; flexible
and adaptive pantries
• Pulls rather than knobs on
cabinets and drawers
• Variable countertop heights:
• Drawer pull-outs 30”, 34”, 36” & 42”
• ADA grab bars & handrails • Increased maneuvering
space (ie: 5’ x 5’ turning
• Photocell light switches circle in kitchens,
bathrooms, entries, ect.

5. Universal Layout
• Increased toe kick
areas at base of lower
cabinets
• Raised wall electrical
outlets
• Front or accessible
controls. Example:
garbage disposal,
range hood vent,
• Removing stairs, re-grading or lighting, ect.
ramp installation
• Access cutouts.
• Increased and diversified lighting Example: under sinks
options or countertop work
spaces

6. Why is Universal Design
Important?
• Step less entries are always
convenient when you’re bringing
in the groceries.
• A universally designed door way
receives less dings and dents as
trip and snag hazards are
removed.
• Universal design unties household traffic ways
in spaces like the kitchens and bathrooms and
creates the feeling of openness in your home.

7. Northwest Accessible/Universal
Design
Our Goal for your project:

8. What is Aging-in-Place?
• Aging-in-place refers to the
ability to live in your current
home while maintaining or
increasing quality of life.
• Aging-in-place
Remodeling addresses
the continually
changing needs and
abilities that we face as
we age in our homes.
Utilizing products and
modifications to your
home, you can bring ease
and grace to aging.

9. Aging-in-Place Trends
• In 2000 438,177 (12.8%) of Oregon's 3,421,399 citizens were aged 65 or
older, a 12% increase since 1990.
• The U.S. Census estimates that by 2030 Oregon's elder population will increase
by 124.3%

10. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists
(CAPS)
Northwest Accessible Design
is a certified Aging-In-Place
specialist and we can aid in
evaluation and
recommendation for
modifications you may need
or want with consideration
to future circumstances.
Safety | Adaptability | Comfort | Convenience | Sustainability

11. Aging-in-Place Planning
There are several categories of interest you should think
over when planning a remodel for aging in place:
• Safety
• Moving in and out your home
• Moving freely in your home
• Ease of access to daily use items
Quality of life is our top concern and good planning is
essential for a comfortable and accessible home.

12. Common Aging-in-Place Changes
Most homes are not built for
senior friendly transitioning, so
modifications are necessary as
one ages in place.
• Removing barriers that may cause a trip hazard (ie: door thresholds)
• Installing alternative lighting options (combination of fluorecent & incandescent)
• Customizing cabinets and pantries for ease of access
• Handrail and grab bar installation

13. More Aging-in-Place Changes
Installing Slip Installing adjustable shower
resistant flooring heads and plenty of bracing
near slippery surfaces
Widening
doorways and
common walkways Installing lever style
for use of walking door hardware and
aids or wheelchairs facets for ease of use

14. Our Universal Design & Aging-in-
Place Expert
Kelly Schwan- Occupational Therapist (ODT)
Kelly works at Emanuel Medical
Center in Portland with the acute
rehab team on the trauma unit,
specializing in spinal cord injury.
She is passionate about helping
improve patients quality of life and is
proud to team with Northwest
Accessible Design and their
remodeling expertise.

15. For more information…
Visit us online at:
www.northwestaccessible.com
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