How do accessibility and sustainability relate?
A. Many affordable housing developers are interested in building accessible homes, to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or to serve a population with special needs. Accessibility, or universal design, can contribute to a home’s sustainability, as well, because it means that homeowners or occupants can stay in a home over time as their needs change. By including aspects of universal design in a home from the time of its construction, the expense and material waste of future modifications can be avoided. Design details like wider doors, accessible baths, and buildings on grade can make houses more livable today and for the future. Meanwhile, adding blocking during construction to support later installation of grab bars is an easy way to make a home adaptable to its future occupants.
