Developing an Incentive Program for Universal Design in New, Single-Family Housing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the development of universal design and to make an initial recommendation for developing an incentive program for universal design in new, single-family housing. Current federal, state, and local initiatives with language for inclusion of visitable, accessible, and/or universal design features, as well as the LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program, were examined to determine adaptability to an incentive program in universal design. The recommendation was to develop an incentive program that is (a) aimed at new, single-family housing, (b) voluntary, consensus based, and market driven, and (c) comprehensive in scope. Five steps were presented to guide the process of developing the incentive program, each requiring additional research: (a) determining the design features, products, and materials required at various levels of attainment of universal design, (b) creating the criteria by which the universal design features would be evaluated, (c) identifying a coalition of supporters to implement the program, (d) designing a positive marketing campaign, and (e) evaluating the effectiveness of the incentive program. An incentive program would accelerate the adoption of universal design in housing, supporting the goal of transforming the housing market into one in which universal design features and products are the standard for design and construction.