Housing That Works For Everybody

According to universal design advocates, the intent is to create products and environments usable by as many people as possible, including people with no disabilities at all. "While building codes set a minimum standard regarding accessibility, universal design is a relatively new concept that seeks to go beyond those codes to make the built environment usable by all people without the need for adaptation. This might include kitchen islands with adjustable-height countertops, front-loading washers and dryers, roll-in showers, and no-step entrances, eliminating the need for ramps."

The residential building, located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis is 95 percent leased with only 20 units occupied by people with disabilities. The building is mixed-income; some renters pay market rates and others receive subsidies.

Jacqueline Benoit, who was partially paralyzed in a car accident, is happy to live in a building where her son can live with her. Her apartment includes door handles instead of knobs for easier grasping, a dishwasher and oven that are set into the wall and raised about 18 inches off the ground (a usable height for people standing and sitting), and a stove with control knobs in front of the unit rather than toward the back. Benoit explains that her son "loves the weight room. We go together and I work on my arm. I'm happy to be alive and be able to take care of my son."