Universal design was defined in 1993 by the late Ron Mace as "an approach that incorporates products as well as building features and elements which, to the greatest extent possible, can be used by everyone." Since that time a gradual awareness of not only the desirability of this concept but it's practicality has been evidenced in new construction and product development.

Included is an article that resulted from a survey LifeaseŽ conducted in 2000 on a home with Universal design features. This house was visited by several thousand people. They were asked to respond to several of the features included in the home. The results of that survey are included the article titled Responses of the Public to Residential Universal Design Features.

Since East Metro SAIL* has been instrumental in LifeaseŽ being able to place much of the information on this web site, it is our pleasure to share some of the information that SAIL has produced. Home design essentials is a starter list of basic standards to discuss with your home builder or remodeler.

A second SAIL publication entitled A Practical Guide to Universal Home design (PDF) is now complete! More information is available by contacting:

East Metro Senior Agenda for Independent Living Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health 50 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 930 Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-266-2464

Research for SAIL in support of a public information campaign to increase the ability of the East Metro resident's to remain in their own homes as they become older and more frail was completed in October of 2001 by Ginger Hope and Cara L. Bailey of the Wider Research Center. The resulting publication is entitled East Metro SAIL, Universal design: Home design for easy living. This document is available from SAIL or:

Wilder Research Center 1295 Bandana Boulevard North, Suite 210 Saint Paul, MN, 55108 651-647-4600 www.wilder.org

Click on publications or web sites to discover other resources you may find helpful.

East Metro SAIL* (Seniors Agenda for independent Living) provides information to promote liveable, visitable homes for all generations.