Congratulations to Tova on becoming a UDCP

Congratulations to Tova on becoming a UDCP

Tova recently earned the designation of Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Universal Design is the application of practices to allow a home to be used by people of all ages and abilities and to be easily modified over time as residents’ needs change. (It has very little to do with the universe as Carl Sagan explains it.)

Universal Design for All

Universal design is about creating accessible spaces for everyone, from those with small children, to those with friends or family members with special needs, to those who are forward thinking and wish to age in place.

Universal design is easily incorporated into remodeling projects; in the same way clients choose materials or products, they also customize their living space to fit their current and future needs. Universal design takes thoughtful planning and creative thinking to design spaces for access across an entire life span. Elements of universal design are integrated into the overall design, becoming virtually invisible.

The 7 Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable use—Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in use—Design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and intuitive use—use of design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible information—Design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for error—design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low physical effort—design can be used efficiently and comfortably wand with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and space for approach and use—appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture or mobility.

The UDCP program identifies professional remodelers who have undergone comprehensive review and testing in areas of universal design/remodeling. A UDCP proves knowledge in the seven principles of Universal Design, how to interview clients with an understanding and consideration of their special needs, and finally the how-to of building these projects. In addition, they must also adhere to NARI’s strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.