Universal Design

Policymakers should establish requirements or provide incentives for universal design features to be incorporated into homes.

Building codes: State and local governments should require that building codes incorporate universal design principles in newly constructed housing.

Remodeling: Where incentives are used to promote remodeling, regulations should encourage the incorporation of universal design features.

Visitability: Policymakers should require government-funded housing to have visitability and other features that provide a basic level of access and should remove legal restrictions that impede the adoption of related ordinances for newly constructed housing.

Technical assistance:  The Department of Housing and Urban Development should provide technical assistance to state and local governments to help implement and encourage the adoption of universal design and visitability features.