Universal Design is the art of creating environments that are attractive and user friendly for people of all ages and abilities. It is the ONLY design concept that consciously designs to accommodate peoples’ differences— not their similarities.

Often confused with accessible design, universal refers to homes designed to be accessible and useable by everyone regardless of ability. The temptation is to equate universal design with wheelchair ramps, but that is accessible design—not universal design. As the name implies, universal design elements should have universal appeal and application.