According to the Canadian Census, one in seven persons has some kind of disability — mobility and dexterity problems, hearing or vision loss, intellectual limitations and other “invisible” disabilities.
The Canadians With Disabilities Act changed the ways public buildings are designed, and these changes are making their way into the home. A generation of architects and builders, as well as disability-rights advocates and policy planners, are awakening to the possibilities created by an accessible environment.
For a parent who is hard of hearing, removing walls and adding glass doors can help in keeping track of children in the next room. For someone who is blind, including storage cabinets throughout the house (entrance, stair landings, toilet) means that essential items are readily accessed when needed.
Accessible design is creative design, tailored to the unique needs of those who live there.
Read Sue’s full article detailing accessible, inclusive design trends here.