A good post about sensitivity to universal design

I read this post on another blog today and thought I'd link and comment here. The posting can be found at http://house.seniorwomen.com/?p=25

Some key things I noted:

• The author's post underscores that the issues of accessibility are important not only for people with permanent disabilities but also for temporary impairments--an accessible house is flexible and wise for a wide variety of people at different stages in their life.
• I like the comment that automatic "touchless" faucets are smart not only for seniors but good to keep the grand kids from leaving the faucet running. Underscores that many of the things we think of as "handicap" are much more universally helpful.
• The author's acknowledgement of Iraq war veterans is another (sobering) reminder that the needs for accessibility and universal design are widespread and varied.
• I particularly like the experiential design element where she toured the framed-out home in a borrowed wheelchair, uncovering issues that would prevent or complicate future use of a wheelchair. No one likes to change the framing, but better to change it then than after the home is finished. Seniors who are purchasing a new home for retirement could benefit from doing the same and then making the necessary modifications before moving in.