EXAMINATION OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM: ELDERLY COTTAGE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

TITLE	EXAMINATION OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM: ELDERLY COTTAGE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
AUTHOR	Jeannette Steeves
YEAR	2005
TYPE OF THESIS	PhD
DISCIPLINE	Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management
URL	http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.psz.utm.my/docview/305407225/fulltextPDF /13B1CB88E931D8ECA60/7?accountid=41678
ACCESS DATE	20 Dec 2012
FULL PAPER	FOUND
INSTITUTION	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
KEYWORDS	Universal design, housing for the Aging, America, housing, gerontology
ABSTRACT	Appropriate housing for the aging American population is a timely topic of research in both housing and gerontology. Universal design is an innovation in housing design that is gaining interest from both industries. This research examines the effectiveness of universal design features that have been identified by experts in the field of aging, housing, and universal design as important to resident and caregiver participants of the ECHO demonstration housing program. A national survey was conducted that included all available current residents of the HUD ECHO houses and their caregivers. The relationships between age, effectiveness of universal design features, health and dependency were investigated. Quantitative results include some confounding relationships, and plausible explanations. A qualitative analysis, based on on-site and telephone interviews, and tape recordings of those interviews with residents and their caregivers, as well as architectural drawings, observation, and photographs of the ECHO houses provided additional details. The qualitative approach indicated that many of the universal design features recommended by the experts consulted satisfactorily met the needs of residents and/or their caregivers. It also revealed, however that some features were not considered important by residents and caregivers, some were not reported as present (when they were documented by the researcher as present), and at least one HUD-specified universal design feature was not provided by ECHO houses. Another aspect of the qualitative perspective addressed the health of the residents. Health characteristics are presented in the context of their effect on dependency. Phase II dependency task information was compared to that reported in phase I, and improvement and decline was noted. Conclusions, and Implications that elaborate on findings, and future research is recommended for taking this research to the next level.

Cultural Heritage Across Borders: Inclusive Tourism and barrier-Free Design in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region

TITLE	Cultural Heritage Across Borders: Inclusive Tourism and barrier-Free Design in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region
AUTHOR	Budsakayt INTARAPASAN
YEAR	2009
TYPE OF THESIS	PhD
DISCIPLINE	Architecture Heritage Management & Tourism
URL	http://www.thapra.lib.su.ac.th/objects/thesis/fulltext/thapra/ Budsakayt_Intarapasan_Doctor/fulltext.pdf
ACCESS DATE	14 Dec 2012
FULL PAPER	FOUND
INSTITUTION	Silpakorn University
KEYWORDS	Greater Mekong Sub-Region, Cultural heritage, Cross Borders, Inclusive Tourism, Barrier-Free Design, People with Disability
ABSTRACT	This paper will using regional the Greater Mekong Sub-Region case studies, highlight gaps in current regional heritage practices in respect of : heritage and development of heritage trails, revenue, the anchoring of tourist revenue, and development of the public consciousness of history. This paper describes cultural heritage tourism, according to the travelling to experience places and activities that authentically represent stories and people of the past and present. Inclusive Tourism is a global movement to ensure full social participation of all people with disabilities in travel, citizenships and cultural contribution and in the process, to assure the same for everyone else, writes Dr. Scott Rains. The discussion issues related accessible tourism to cultural heritage places to identify existing barriers as well as assessment and solutions approach to promote cultural-heritage-inclusive tourism and barrier free design. More important access increases the potential to enable people with disabilities to take part in almost any area of life, and to be aware of the impact and business opportunities that accessible tourism introduces. The forthcoming process of demographic ageing will lead to a growing number of tourists with needs for more accessibility and higher service quality also in tourism. The result of this study will provide guidelines on better practices of community engagement, community participation and community resource development in respect of the culturally appropriate management of heritage. In conclusion, good design improves accessibility for all users who may benefit from tourism services without discriminating factors. To ensure balanced recognition of the users’ interest, conservation planning is deemed necessary to eliminate disabled access. Access for all heritage areas is provided equally to all types of user who want to enjoy and appreciate leisure in a friendly environment depicting distinctive traditions. Universal design which offers equal accessibility to all types of user aims to upgrade heritage places and raise awareness on the significance and value of cultural heritage as well as inclusive travel and leisure holidays at an international level.