Have you considered all things around your home, both inside and outside?
Yesterday I was about to start writing my series of posts describing how, room-by-room, Universal Design makes homes livable for a lifetime when I had the most exasperating phone call. I was attempting, obviously unsuccessfully, to describe the importance of considering UD components NOW before problems arise when the person skeptically and somewhat sarcastically cut me off mid-sentence, “So that’s great, you help OLD people stay in their homes.” NO, all people! I wanted to shout but didn’t. Recycling houses isn’t about waiting until the last minute.
After ending the fruitless conversation, I thought, “That person totally didn’t get it”. It’s so ingrained in people’s minds the assumption that an owner or tenant must eventually adapt to their housing (i.e. move or stop using areas of the home) rather than modify the house to suit their circumstances. Even better, design and BUILD the house so anyone can visit or remain independent, safe and comfortable regardless of age, income or ability.
On my morning jogs during family vacations in Hilton Head Island, I enjoy gazing at the multi-million dollar homes. As I run, each vacation or retirement home seems more luxurious than the ones I’ve passed and I can only imagine what they’re like inside.
But now that I know the the principles of Universal Design, I view those fancy houses from a different perspective. I see owners who will either spend big bucks to retrofit or eventually they’ll be forced to move because they built a dream home without considering accessibility and usability for decades down the road. For example, many of these gorgeous homes have grand staircases leading to the front entry or from the foyer to the second floor. How will the occupants navigate with large luggage or when they become elderly and begin to lose mobility?
Are we there yet? Pretty close
While we cannot yet commute in hover craft, the Jetson’s home has mostly become reality. Technological advances make nearly any task in a home able to be automated and monitored remotely. I’d even go as far to say EVERY task but I’m not certain, although wouldn’t be surprised, whether that includes cleaning the bathrooms. (But won’t that day be glorious!?!)
Increased competition has driven down prices. I’m not exaggerating that, after installation, the recurring cost for even the most comprehensive home automation system is less than what many consumers shell out monthly for mobile phone service or cable/satellite television.
photo courtesy Ruth Fremson The New York Times
First, Brendan Marrocco survived, just that was miraculous, now he is not only adapting and overcoming his circumstances, but succeeding better than others before him. Marrocco epitomizes determination. An indomitable spirit, he is willfully pushing himself toward renewed independence. The New York Times published his story over the holiday weekend and reading it affected me but that’s not why I’m sharing it.
Inspiring for many reasons my point here is to emphasize what our soldiers survive. Aside from his loss of limbs, note the blood loss and how quickly Specialist Marrocco was transported to world class surgical care. The now 23-year old is among nearly a thousand service members who have lost limbs in combat since the wars began in 2001. Traumatic brain injuries have also surged due to the terrible consequences of explosions. In past wars, these soldiers would’ve died but now they must prepare for a different future and reattain quality of life.
Today survivors rehabilitate, leave the military, regain their independence and begin new lives working or going to school. BuilderFish will serve them as an approved builder with the Veterans Administration (VA), designing, modifying and constructing accommodating features to help our veterans adapt, overcome and attain their wants, need and dreams.
We’ve been accredited by the Better Business Bureau. From the beginning we planned to join but I’ll admit the process was more involved than I imagined. The BBB doesn’t simply collect dues and rubber stamp “membership”. They interview you about your company and verify your credentials before an accreditation committee approves your application.
We hold dear transparency and delivering as promised so we’re pleased about the BBB’s serious approach to accountability. We already practice their standards for honest dealing but it’s good to also have an accountability partner.
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