Universal Design Toolkit: Time-saving ideas, resources, solutions, and guidance for making homes accessible

It is quite obvious that Dr. Rossetti and her husband, Mark, have a passion for their mission to provide a roadmap in the form of the Universal Design Toolkit that will show people how to live independently, in their own home, regardless of their age or physical ability. This wonderful resource has literally changed my life, both personally and professionally. My wife has mobility issues and we were in the process of restoring a home built in 1910 when I had the good fortune to acquire the UD Toolkit. We incorporated many of the features so well presented in the Toolkit. Thanks to this incredible step by step guide, my wife and I can now live in our home safely and comfortably for many years to come. In addition, as a Realtor, I can help my clients assess both their current and future needs. Realtors are on the front line for consumers housing needs and thanks to Dr. Rossetti and Mark I now have the tools as well as the passion to become a strong advocate for helping the 80% of Americans over the age of 50 who want to remain in their current homes. This is a must read for everyone from Occupational Therapists, Builders, Remodelers, Architects, Realtors and anyone else involved with this age demographic. Words cannot adequately express my deep gratitude to Dr. Rossetti and Mark for their inspiration. My wife and I will be forever grateful.Paul KinkSeniors Real Estate SpecialistStevensville, Montana

“First and foremost, The Universal Design Toolkit is a love story between two individuals who risked turning a life-altering experience into a mission to make a difference. This is a book about resilience, contribution, and how to live fully—not in spite of limitations, but because of them.The book begins with Rosemarie’s accident, but it is not the focus, rather it provides context for the journey to The Universal Design Living laboratory; a showcase for those who seek the best practices in human-centered design and accessibility solutions for all.This is hands-down the most comprehensive work on Universal Design I have read. It is written from an end-user’s point of view, so the emphasis on practicality.The Author goes beyond the basic: 7 Principles of Universal Design1) Equitable Use2) Flexibility in Use3) Simple and Intuitive Use4) Perceptible Information5) Tolerance for Error6) Low Physical Effort7) Size and Space for Approach and UseShe Shows Exactly How to Build in very practical descriptions/instructions.Universal Design as being about creating an attractive, stylish space that everyone, regardless of age, size, or ability, can live in or visit. A home with Universal Design makes it easier for residents to live in, and for guests to visit now and in the future, even as everybody's needs and abilities change.You'll learn the parts of a home that work well for everyone employing Universal Design features. Also, how Incorporating them into your home in the pre-construction stage often adds little cost and is usually much cheaper than remodeling a house with traditional design features.I took away a key message from the ToolKit, that Universal Design features and products in a home make good sense and can be so attractive that no one notices them — except for how easy they are to use.For all of us who will benefit from this work, we should be forever grateful that Rosemarie and Mark took to heart the theme: “Failure is not an option.”Patrick Roden RN PhD

Life can take unexpected detours. Rosemarie Rossetti knows exactly how unexplainable tragedy can end dreams…or begin new ones. Her story will not only inspire those who have experienced despair but is helpful for every adult facing aging and wanting to remain at home. All readers will benefit by understanding universal design. And some application will be important to you or someone you love today or tomorrow. This is an eyeopening how-to-guide to living fully in spite of disabilities or aging. No one knows this better than Rosemarie. She is living it every day​.

“Rosemarie’s story is one of pluck and determination in the face of personal tragedy. She has chosen to turn personal challenge into an individualized approach that, embraced by architects and builders in the years to come, has the potential of providing countless individuals with a productive, independent and satisfying home life. It is an honor to share my personal remarks about the book she’s written, one that illustrates the product of much thought and dedication.About a year ago I had the opportunity to visit the Rossetti home with members of our construction team to view how their home design has shattered the many myths associated with the notion of “Universal Design.” Truly inspirational, its layout and functionality demonstrated in room after room how a home can be crafted to serve its occupants, whether fully functional or physically impaired.This book is a reflection of the many hours, spanning a number of years, which were invested in developing a concept that is as beautiful as it is functional for its occupants. As such, I commend it to the reader’s study and application for the development and construction of homes that, in the future, will allow anyone physically challenged to live with dignity and self-sufficiency.”E.J. Thomas, Pres. & CEO, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio

I bought this book because I was looking for information on aging in place. This book is all about how to build a house, (not adapt a house) for a healthy, athletic 35 yo in a wheelchair. When old people get to the wheelchair phase they have very different needs...this may be a problem with "Universal Design" the concept, rather than this particular book.