President Obama marked the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act yesterday with a special ceremony on the White House South Lawn. “Not dependence—but independence. That’s what the ADA was all about,” the president said, before signing an executive order that, effective 2012, will require new construction to meet enhanced design standards for doors, windows, elevators, and bathrooms.
 
The order is another big step forward for one of the ADA’s biggest offshoots: Universal Design. Also known as Aging in Place, Universal Design is about creating products and spaces that people of all ages and abilities can use. In the last two decades, we’ve seen the movement’s impact on many product categories. Here are five highlights:
 
Taller toilets. So-called comfort-height toilets, which are 17 to 19 inches off the ground instead of the traditional 15 inches, put less stress on knees and backs. Most of the toilets we test are now comfort height, including several top-rated models.
 
Handheld shower sprays. Removable sprays can be used from a seated or standing position. Read our latest review of showerheads to see which handheld models combine that ease of use with the strongest flow and steadiest temperatures.
 
Better task lighting. Adequate illumination is critical for aging eyes. That means adding more fixtures in your home, both for general illumination and targeted task lighting. Increasingly efficient bulbs let you brighten a room without jacking up your electric bill.
 
Slip-resistant floors. These surfaces keep shoe heels and crutches from slipping. Many vinyl and linoleum products are available in slip-resistant finishes. These materials have been around for more than twenty years, but our latest flooring tests found an expanding array of styles, including some that mimic the look of wood or stone.
 
Accessible counters. More kitchen designers understand the need for varied counter heights, say one at 36 inches, one at 34 inches, one at 26 inches. Clearance under one or more counters for seated individuals is also essential. Better selections of stock cabinets and countertop materials makes it easier to design a kitchen around these requirements.
 
For more information, read “10 Questions for…Michael Thomas, Aging in Place Expert” and our tips for creating a stylish Universal Design bathroom.    
 
—Daniel DiClerico