To ensure that the region’s housing is accessible, visitability and “universal design” are important issues.  Often confused as an issue limited to special needs populations, visitability and universal design include principles such as providing smooth ground surfaces at entryways, wide interior doors and hallways, and installing handles with levers rather than knobs.  The universal design movement has grown largely because of the aging U.S. population.

Municipalities must comply with federal and state regulations addressing accessibility through the Fair Housing Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  In Massachusetts, the Architectural Access Board rules also govern housing access issues.  Some federal and state grant programs also include these requirements.  Due in part to the changing population needs and the fact that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not cover new single family homes, 14 states have passed legislation supporting the use of visitability and universal design principles.  Various models exist.  There are varying thresholds that trigger the law.  For example some localities apply the requirements to developments containing seven or more units or if public funding is provided.

22.a    All public and quasi-public housing agencies should require visitability and universal design in all state-funded projects

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