Resource Types: Books Amputee Coalition Articles Videos & CD-ROMs Online Resources & Organizations   Online Library Find other related resources by searching our online library.

Home Modification & Universal Design

February 2007

People with limb loss have particular information needs. Topic of the Month is a resource guide of information relevant to amputees. Click on the links below to access articles and Web sites directly. Many of the books and videos can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.

Many more resources can be found by searching our online library. Please feel free to share this resource with those who may find this useful. We also welcome your comments and topic suggestions! Contact us via e-mail at library@amputee-coalition.org.

« View Other Topics

Books

The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical Needs. Chanhassen, MN: Creative Publishing International, 2003. ISBN 1-58923-061-2. This book is full of ideas to inspire you and dozens of projects to help you adapt a home for growing and changing accessibility needs. Step-by-step instructions for modifications and renovations are included.

Accessible Housing by Design: Universal Design Principles in Practice / Steven Winter Associates. New York: McGraw-Hill, c1997. ISBN 0-07-071174-7. In this implementation guide for professionals, you'll learn how to incorporate all the elements of universal design and barrier-free access easily, attractively, and at little or no additional cost.

Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence: The State of the Science / Editor, William C. Mann. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, c2005. ISBN 0-471-69694-3. This resource brings together current research and technological developments from engineers, computer science, and the rehabilitation sciences, detailing how its applications can promote continuing independence for older persons and those with disabilities.

Universal Designed "Smart" Homes for the 21st Century / Charles Schwab Architects. Moline, IL: Schwab Publishers, 2004. This book contains many home plans that use the concepts of universal design.

Universal Interiors by Design: Gracious Spaces / Irma Laufer Dobkin and Mary Jo Peterson. New York: McGraw-Hill, c1999. ISBN 0-07-017151-3. This book describes and outlines several homes and possible modifications of existing homes in order to accommodate the needs of a person with physical disabilities.

Back to Top

Amputee Coalition Articles: Including inMotion, First Step and Military in-Step Articles

Aging in Place, Gracefully, With Universal Design / Bill Dupes. Article from inMotion, March / April 2005. This article gives an overview of universal design, the latest concept in accessibility modifications that make the home friendlier, safer and more attractive for everyone.
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/mar_apr_05/universaldesign.html
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/mar_apr_05/universaldesign.pdf
Spanish: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/spanish/inmotion/mar_apr_05/universaldesign.html
Spanish: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/spanish/inmotion/mar_apr_05/universaldesign.pdf

Gear Guide: Bathroom Accessibility. Knoxville, TN: Amputee Coalition, 1999. Article from inMotion, September / October 1999. Whether at home or at the workplace, bathroom accessibility is crucial for anyone with a physical disability. This article provides information about assistive devices for the bathroom.
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/sep_oct_99/gearguide1.html

Housing Modifications: Low-Interest HUD-Sponsored Loans. Knoxville, TN: Amputee Coalition, 2006. Home modifications are often necessary for amputees. One may be able to pay for these kinds of home modifications with low-cost loans guaranteed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This Fact Sheet from the National Limb Loss Information Center describes the basics of HUD home loans.
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/housingmodification.html

In Search of Funding / Bill Dupes. Knoxville, TN: Amputee Coalition, 2003. Article from First Step: A Guide for Adapting to Limb Loss, 2003. This article includes funding sources that help with home modification.
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/first_step_2003/in-search-of-funding.html

Welcome Home to Accessibility / Casey Patrick. Knoxville, TN: Amputee Coalition, 1998. Article from inMotion, September / October 1998. This article discusses resources to help achieve accessibility in the home.
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/sep_oct_98/welcome.html

Back to Top

Videos & CD-ROMs

Home Access Solutions: Ramps andStairs / Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. St. Paul, MN.: The Center, c1995. VHS. This video shows an award-winning design for the construction of a modular ramp for people with physical disabilities.

The Ramp Project Teleconference. St. Paul, MN: Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, c1995. VHS. This video presents information about modular, reusable designs for wheelchair ramps and for long-tread, low riser steps that provide home accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. The designs allow for construction that meets personal needs and abilities.

Universal Design Handbook / Wolfgang F.E. Preiser, editor in chief; Elaine Ostroff, senior editor; foreword by Robert Ivy. New York: McGraw-Hill, c2001. ISBN 0-07-135957-5. A complete handbook for meeting the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for the design of all types of structures. The CD-ROM features technical and design data, the official Disability Act Guidelines, ADAAG standards and amendments, and other standards.

Back to Top

Online Resources & Organizations

The Center for Universal Design / Raleigh, NC: 199--.The Center for Universal Design is a national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities, and related products. Among other resources, PDFs of accessible floor plans are available.
http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud

The Design Linc: Accessibility Design and Resources/ The Design Linc, 1995-. The Design Linc offers accessible design tips for the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and exterior to help you select the products that suit your design needs.
http://www.designlinc.com/destips.htm

How to Build Ramps for Home Accessibility/ Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Inc. Fourth edition. St. Paul, MN: Metropolitan Center for Independent Living Inc., 1993. A manual to instruct individuals on how to build their own ramps, as well as encourage organizations on how to become involved in meeting community needs.
http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampman/manual/rampindx.htm

National Directory of Home Modification Resources/ The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification, 2002-. This web site has a searchable directory of home modification programs and resources by state.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/directory/

Homemods.org/ National Resource Center for Supportive Housing and Home Modifications, Los Angles, CA: 199--. This site is a wealth of information for those needing to modify their home, as well as those who are interested in accessible design. The site includes a library of home modification resources, reviews of home modification products, and information on finding a contractor to perform modifications.
http://www.homemods.org

Rebuilding Together. Washington, DC: Rebuilding Together, 199--. Rebuilding Together's mission is to preserve and revitalize houses, assuring that low-income homeowners, including the disabled, live in warmth, safety, and independence. This organization provides home modifications, roofing, plumbing, and electrical repairs and/or improvements free of charge.
http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/

Universal Design: Home Modification . Washington, DC: AARP, 1995-. This site provides information on universal design for the home. Interactive tours of homes with universal design features available, as well as a listing of trained specialists to help with home modifications and solutions to common barriers.
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/