design for everyone
Jill Johanning
Alpha One

Maine can take the lead by creating a culture where accessibility is always in the conversation for investing in sustainable and resilient communities. As Maine residents age our communities must have a plan to accommodate more flexibility for families as their housing needs change. If communities embrace ideas like aging in place, inclusive design, or universal design like they do with green or energy efficient design it could create an even broader ripple effect throughout our neighborhoods, state, and economy.  

Most older homes in Maine are not adequate to meet the growing needs for affordability, accessibility, and social connectivity for older Mainers. The odds are that a disability, even if temporary, will impact all of us at some point in our lives. If we cannot remain in our homes and engage in communities as our abilities change, we are not creating sustainable communities. For every new home built without the basic access features, we are burdening future generations with more economic costs to fix what we do today. 

Accessible features in homes should be viewed as standard safety elements. By providing every home with a level entrance, a first-floor bathroom and bedroom we could greatly impact the amount of accessible residential choices in Maine. If these three items are a part of all homes, they would allow families to potentially remain in their home and to be able to visit more friends and family. By incorporating more inclusive design decisions for future flexibility in all stages of building new or remodeling, Maine homes would be ready to go for today’s families and future families.

Better accessibility in Maine will require a shift in public attitude to support multiple generations, welcome more housing options in our neighborhoods, and encourage the built environment to go beyond the minimum requirements to make Maine a place where all families can thrive. 

Are you interested in learning more about accessible home design? Visit Accessibility Advantage: Homes and Spaces for Every Body