RL Mace Universal Design Institute

RL Mace Universal Design Institute The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. L.

The R. Mace Universal Design Institute, founded in 1997, is based in North Carolina and is dedicated to promoting the concept and practice of accessible and universal design. The Institute's work manifests the belief that all new environments and products, to the greatest extent possible, should and can be usable by everyone regardless of age, ability, or circumstance. The Institute advances the c

oncept of universal design in all design disciplines, including housing, public-use buildings, outdoor and urban environments and related products. The Institute's staff has a wealth of expertise in universal design and accessibility codes and standards with an emphasis on human function, architecture, and planning. The Institute has developed technical and policy documents and a wide range of graphic and multimedia materials to explain technical specifications in context of the environment. The Institute has a history of collaborative, multidisciplinary work: research, plan review; development of new plans, survey instruments, photo documentaries, product designs, state agency policies, demonstration houses, educational programs, and contributing to federal and state legislation.

We have long explored the advantages that home technology can bestow on older adults. From family communications, to rem...
05/21/2026

We have long explored the advantages that home technology can bestow on older adults. From family communications, to reminders, list making, weather and news, security and much more, home tech can be a difference maker, especially when used in a home that has age friendly features.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) might play a much bigger role; in health and home health, socialization and companionship, safety, security and beyond. But the introduction of AI comes with many concerns as well: privacy, replacement of people with machines, assurance that all actions are in the best interest of residents, and oversight.

Check out this article, which takes a look at many of these issues. https://aginginamerica.news/2026/04/14/ai-enters-the-elder-care-arena/

This comes from Nicole Julia, an occupational therapist and longtime advocate of Universal Design. She completed her doc...
05/11/2026

This comes from Nicole Julia, an occupational therapist and longtime advocate of Universal Design. She completed her doctoral research in accessible and Universal Design and recently launched a Kickstarter for her children’s book, Flora’s Fish‑For‑All Pier, which introduces disability allyship and universal/accessible design concepts, through a story about a flamingo who rallies her town to build a universal fishing pier where everyone belongs.

Here is the direct link to the kickstarter where you can learn all about the book:

Empowering kids to be disability allies and community builders: because we all deserve to participate fully.

We have long pointed out the benefits of bidets, primarily for people who have difficulty in taking care of their toilet...
04/21/2026

We have long pointed out the benefits of bidets, primarily for people who have difficulty in taking care of their toilet hygiene adequately. That is still true.
And while bidets have been extensively used worldwide for many years, they finally seem to have gone mainstream in the US. People likely recognize the general improved comfort, convenience, and cleaning that bidets convey.
Seems like a good UD product to me: serving people with and without impairments greatly. We haven't surveyed bidets for relative ease of use, simplicity of operation, and ease of installation; so we can't offer any product recommendations, but we can only hope that more of us find a way to use them.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet/

This is a useful overview of many opportunities to make home safety improvements around your home.
03/25/2026

This is a useful overview of many opportunities to make home safety improvements around your home.

Wirecutter tests and reviews the best tech, appliances, gear, and more. You can trust our veteran journalists, scientists, and experts to find the best stuff.

Five People in Their 60s, 70s, and 80s Share How They Plan to Age at HomeThe first sentence of this article mentions job...
03/03/2026

Five People in Their 60s, 70s, and 80s Share How They Plan to Age at Home

The first sentence of this article mentions job #1 for older adults thinking about their retirement housing: plan ahead. Not all of these households did that. And they all weren't all thinking about their home features either.
You'll read about affordability challenges, difficulties with home maintenance, and dealing with social isolation. Some people moved to more affordable locations, some took advantage of local free home modification and home repair programs, others opted for shared housing to dramatically reduce monthly expenses.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/seniors-share-aging-in-place-plans/

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1854 A Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC
28803

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