LONDON, Ohio – Build a home to last your lifetime.
That’s the concept behind universal design – building or remodeling homes to have something for everyone, such as safety features needed for toddlers, accessibility for older adults, convenience for busy parents, and space for growing families all in one.
“Many do not think about the height of a dishwasher or the width of a doorway when building or remodeling,” said Andrea Bowlin, program coordinator for Ohio State University’s College of Human Ecology. “We plan to educate the visitors about the money and trouble they can save in the long run by incorporating universal design features in the first place.”
Completed kitchen and bathroom models using universal design will be on display for visitors to walk through and touch at the upcoming Farm Science Review Sept. 20-22, Bowlin said. “Thanks to our sponsors, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Dave Fox Remodeling, we have models to allow visitors to get a real feel for what it’s like in a universally designed home.”
Along with the example kitchen and bathroom, another interactive area will be set up with different everyday objects and ways to assess personal needs. Doors of different widths, counters of varying heights, a range of door handles and sink faucets are just a few examples of the items available to be tested. “It’s almost as thought we’re offering a small home and garden show right in the midst of the FSR,” Bowlin said.
The examples at the Review will give visitors the opportunity to consider universal design features for their own homes. Universal design is not a choice meant only for people with physical limitations. “There are many benefits for everyone to use universal design when remodeling or building,” Bowlin said. “We plan to make the visitors aware of the benefits by examples.”
The universal design exhibit can be found in the McCormick building along with many other displays from the College of Human Ecology.
For a complete listing of this year’s FSR presentations and events, go to http://fsr.osu.edu/sched.html.
Farm Science Review is sponsored by the Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: Resident Instruction Programs, OSU Extension and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and takes place Sept. 20-22 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $5 in advance when purchased from your county offices of OSU Extension or agribusiness. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept 20-21 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22.
