The Canadian population is aging. In the coming decades, seniors (people age 65 and older) will comprise an increasingly larger share of the population, growing from 12% in 2005 to 19% by 2021. As people age, ability and mobility often becomes an issue. At present, 200,000 Canadians are confined to a wheelchair. We can no longer ignore the statistics; we need to start incorporating barrier-free and universal design into the construction of new buildings and homes. Accessibility should no longer be viewed as a suggestion; it is time to acknowledge it as a necessity.

Barrier free and/or universal design refer to the creation of environments that contain no structural or psychological features that might prevent anyone, able-bodied or impaired, from using the environment to the full extent of his or her abilities. Simply put, these terms suggest that everything should be designed to be usable by everyone, regardless of individual abilities.

New legislation recognizes our responsibility to create an environment that is equally accessible to everyone. Designers need to be aware of their responsibility to design with equality in mind. The lack in universal design is not necessarily intentional, but there is a pressing need for education and enlightenment on this matter.

From a simple business standpoint, excluding persons who may not fit into our societal norms cheat designers and developers out of targeting a significant portion of the consumer population. We need to start changing our perception of what “normal” means. We need to start gearing our efforts towards these new ideas.

At present, little or no attention is paid to accessibility with regards to residential properties. Retrofitting existing properties is a growing business; however, implementing barrier free design in the early stages of new development can decrease the costs and problems associated with retrofitting.

The major issue here is supply and demand. As more of the population ages, the demand for barrier free homes will increase. People want to be independent and remain in the comfort of their own homes and neighborhoods. Developers should start thinking about designating a percentage of new homes or condominiums to be barrier free in design. By designing environments to be universal, the doors of possibility are widened for all consumers.

“At the very least, designers, builders and architects need to keep in mind that at some point down the road, home owners may want to make accessible modifications to their home, and there are many considerations that can be made at the design stage to accommodate the possibility of such modifications,” states Saul Berlin, president and owner of Barrier Free Construction in Toronto.

So many options can be employed at the design stage with minimal effort and cost to ensure accessibility. Simply lowering peepholes, light switches, countertops and cabinets and adding automatic push buttons, gradars and ramps can aid in the ease of living; while widening doorways and hallways to a minimum of 30 inches, enlarging bathrooms, and leveling thresholds can make all the difference in wheelchair accessibility. There is no excuse for a sunken living room or laundry room; though an interesting architectural feature, such design can become quite problematic.

Choosing to use non-glare and non-slip floor finishes, stairs and ramps, along with universal furniture and fixtures, can also contribute to a more accessible environment.

“By simply allowing for future modifications by using some foresight, homes can be built in a way that is better equipped for renovation,” says Saul Berlin. By stacking closets above one another in a several story home, designers can create a space that can one day act as the perfect space to house an elevator. Similarly, designing homes in a way that can allow for stair/wheelchair lifts or ramps can significantly increase the ease of an installation and decrease the cost of having to make major structural changes later on.

Aging is inevitable and disability isn’t necessarily something that you are born with. The reality is that disability can strike anyone at anytime, and even if you happen to be included in the small segment of society that will never experience debilitation, you will most definitely know someone, likely a close family member, who will be forced to experience life, disabled not only by their ailment, but by their inaccessible surroundings as well.

Fortunately, Canada is better equipped to accommodate the needs of seniors and the disabled than most countries. The Disabilities Act ensures that most public places are, for the most part, accessible; but when it comes to private properties and new housing developments, the need for accessibility is grossly overlooked.

Foresight, along with a broadened perspective, can be a recipe for success. Designers and developers need to tap into this unrealized market now, to ensure that the supply meets future demands. Regardless of age and ability, individuals will always strive for independence and they will always want options. Hopefully these options will become available in the not-so-distant future.

This article was provided by The Construction Group. The Construction Group is fully licensed contractor specializing in residential and commercial modifications for accessible and independent living and is based out of Toronto. They assist in bathroom and kitchen remodeling and offer a range of solutions to aid in navigating stairs, including stair lifts and chairs, elevators and ramps. For more information, please visit www.theconstructiongroup.ca .