Abstract
Designers are uniquely qualified to lead the assessment and application of design strategies that address universal needs, needs related to aging and the needs of specific people with specific conditions. In residential applications, designers and manufacturers seek to address the functional limitations of older adults and people with disabilities through a variety of design philosophies including Universal Design practices, Aging in Place initiatives and Habilitative Design. While each philosophy meets a different level of specificity of user needs, thoughtful application of a design strategy based on specific situational needs can result in highly supportive and often long-term living environments. Intentionally, accessible design is a prosthetic, specialized design that compensates for deficiencies in everyday design through a reduction or elimination of usability barriers for individuals with limitations in specific types of abilities. Homes vary widely in their location, size, condition and physical design characteristics.