This document discusses interior design considerations for people with disabilities or reduced mobility ("the less able"). It notes that about 1 in 5 people have a disability and reviews how architectural and interior design have historically catered only to average individuals. New legislation in the late 20th century recognized barriers and accessibility became more emphasized. The document outlines specific interior design needs like ramps, grab bars, lever handles, and open floor plans. It stresses that with thoughtful universal design, architects and designers can create accessible spaces to meet all clients' needs.

2. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 A person who is considered “Less Able” is defined as a
person that has ‘a speech, hearing or vision problem,
may be learning disabled, physically disabled, have
reduced ability due to being elderly, crippled, or
mentally or emotionally disturbed’ .

3. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 Considering that one of
every five people from ages
five and older, have a
disability (Freedman,
Martin, & Schoeni, 2004),
the reason for limited access
by people with disabilities in
many private and public
areas is unknown and
despite these figures, in the
past, architectural and
interior designs have often
catered solely to
the average man.

4. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 Thankfully.... things are
changing.
 “Empowerment is often
found in the details of the
mundane world. It comes
from controlling access to
personal space, from being
able to alter one's
environment and select one’s
daily routine, and from
having personal space that
reflects and upholds one’s
identify and interests.”
 (Ridgway et al., 1994).

5. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 New and influential legislation arose in the
second half of the twentieth century with
the view to recognize the problem of
structural barriers in architectural and
interior designs.
 Modifications of public buildings such as
residential complexes, post offices, and
schools gradually became more and more
frequent. In 1969, the international symbol
of accessibility was adopted.
 In addition, the government assumed a
greater role in facilitating accessibility.

6. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
It has been well established that
the home is one of the
fundamental places that gives
shape and meaning to peoples’
everyday lives.
Studies have found that
peoples’ mental and physical
wellbeing is related to many
circumstances, not the least of
which is the quality of their
home environment.
An important part of such
quality is physical design and
layout, and the degree to which
it enables the ease of peoples
mobility and movement around
the dwelling and the use of
different rooms and their
facilities.

7. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 Most people with disability
experience some
restriction in relation to
their core activities of
personal care, schooling
and employment.
However, many are able to
live in their own home and
retain their independence.
 Our understanding of these
issues as a society is
changing. In today’s
scenario, accessible
housing benefits many
people and their families.

8. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 Consequently designers must explore the realm of designing interiors for universal
accessibility.
 Instead of thinking of access issues being relevant only to someone else who uses
a wheelchair, we must think more broadly and personally -– providing access for
all people irrespective of ability.

9. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
Before we can begin to
design interiors for the less
able, we must be familiar
with the possibilities and
constraints which must be
considered.
Since the 1970’s an
increasing focus on design
for the less able has
prompted building
regulations to be developed
to enable access.

10. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
The process is continuing and
today Building Codes
incorporate further provisions
to enhance access both
residentially as well as to
shops, offices and other public
buildings.
Furthermore there is evidence
that the private housing sector
has gained understanding of
the demand for universal
design and is tailoring housing
to the growing market for
accessible residences.

11. Architectural Design Barriers and Needs
 Many public buildings and
houses are built so that
individuals with physical
handicaps have difficulty
getting in, out, and around the
structure. The list of structural
barriers in architecture
comprises a myriad of obstacles
that most architects fail to
recognize previous to
construction.
 Studies reveal that these
hazards can cause serious
injuries. For instance,
approximately 14% of falls take
place on stairs (Dickinson,
Shroyer, Elias, Curry, & Cook,
2004).
 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTS
DISABLED ACCESS HOUSE

12. Architectural Design Barriers and Needs
 Remedies for obstructions, though, can be quite simple.
 A small ramp and/or elevator can be a supplement to
stairs to serve those who use crutches or a wheelchair.
The sides of escalators can be extended to the floor so
that someone who is blind would not bump his/her head
on its underside. All architectural impediments, no matter
how big, can be replaced so that the needs of individuals
with disabilities can be fulfilled. Some specific
architectural design needs include:
 larger bathrooms with adequate space to maneuver a
wheelchair.
 lower kitchen cabinets in order that all can reach.
 handrails for support next to stairs, toilets, and bathtubs.
 ramps and/or elevators in multi-levelled buildings.
 knee space under bathroom and kitchen sinks in order
that people in wheelchairs can be more comfortable
while using the sinks.
 mounted telephones that do not protrude so that it is not
in the pathway of someone who can not see.
 audio and visual feedback in elevators for individuals who
are blind and hard of hearing.

13. Interior Design Barriers and Needs
 Obstacles that derive from the design of
the interior of the facility exist in
addition to barriers that may be part of
the actual building. Studies have found
that interior design hazards lead to one-
third to one-half of all falls (Dickinson, et
al., 2004).
 Similar to the obstructions that may be
present in architecture, these problems
can also be easily fixed with an alternate
design.
 Instead of round knobs, loop handles
could be used.
 Cushions on chairs and sofas should be
firm enough so that a person would not
sink into the seat and would not need to
struggle to arise from it.
 With some thought, interior designers
can easily create new imaginative and
more accessible designs that can meet
their clients’ particular needs.

14. Interior Design Barriers and Needs
 Some specific interior design needs
include:
 dense, tightly woven carpeting for
smoother and safer movement around
the room.
 side-by-side refrigerator and freezer for
better access for those in wheelchairs.
 pullout shelves so that one does not have
to reach.
 lever-type faucets to make handles less
difficult to turn.
 no wall fixtures that are low enough for a
person to bump.
 light-weight doors so that there is more
ease when opening and closing for an
individual who is weak or uses a
wheelchair or crutches.

15. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
A growing awareness and acceptance
that people have diverse physical and
mental abilities has stimulated
international interest in accessible and
universal design.
Consequently there is a need and
desire to create residential spaces for
those that are less able - people with
disabilities and the elderly.
In this subject you will design residential
space in accordance with project briefs
for a client that is less able.
You will analyse site constraints in order
to rectify and improve spatial designs
to suit special needs of a less able user.
You will also have the opportunity to
explore the design process and
undertake the development of the
project plan for your client.

16. INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE
 ASSESSMENT 1
In preparation for designing for the less
able, you will research Australia’s programs
and regulations related to building interior
environments for the less able.
You will investigate the ergonomics and
differences needed in public spaces and
residential areas for the less able.
Based on your findings, you will compile a
report with reference to both general and
specific regulations.
Your submission will be a report (approx
1000 word) on the regulations and design
criteria related to commercial and
residential spaces for the less able.
Your report will include supportive images.
Due Date: Week 3, 25 April 2014
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/good-bad-
and-ugly-design-and-construction-access-0
https://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/ACCESSIBILITY_
CODE_2013.pdf
http://livablehousingaustralia.org.au/wp-
content/uploads/2013/07/Livable_Housing_Design_Guideli
nes_Web.pdf
USEFUL LINKS:
http://www.secretdesignstudio.com/blog/2011/12/15/A-
little-gem-of-a-home-for-a-disabled-person.aspx