(NEW) Installing Trench Drains in Curbless Showers (pdf) -- Since trench drains are an effective method of controlling water, especially if waterproof membranes are used and correctly installed, designers and builders can be more confident that unwanted water infiltration will not occur.

Funding: NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services Section

(NEW) Stepless Entrances for Multifamily Housing (pdf) -- Land planners are designing medium-density landscapes with apartments, condominiums, two-story townhouses, and single- and two-family houses. Many of these entrances are reached via stairs to an elevated front porch. Porches with steps pose a significant physical barrier to many neighborhood residents. This tech sheet presents solutions that allow porches and offer easy access into the house via a stepless entrance.

Funding: NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services Section

(NEW) Residential Rehabilitation, Remodeling and Universal Design (pdf) -- A remodeling guide that describes how to select a dwelling that is conducive to accessibility improvements, and provides both a comprehensive list of universal features for the entire house, and a priority list of the most important universal features.  Shows multiple illustrated design solutions for the modification of two key areas, entrances and bathrooms.

Funding: NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services Section

Curbless Showers: An Installation Guide (pdf) -- This booklet introduces the curbless shower and shows how the size and other details can be incorporated to successfully control water. It can help architects, builders, remodelers, installers and carpenters better understand the critical design and construction issues involved when installing curbless or "roll-in" showers.

Funding: NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services Section

North Carolina Accessible Multifamily Housing (pdf, 10meg) -- This booklet highlights the key issues from the July 1999 NC Building Code, which applies to the design and construction of new multifamily housing, focusing on the design of two types of accessible dwelling units.  It also introduces the concept of universal design, through suggestions to improve accessibility.

QAP Tech Sheet/Bathroom Design Options for Multifamily Housing in North Carolina (pdf) -- The information in this Tech Sheet is based on the NC Accessibility Code, which has been declared equivalent to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design by the US Department of Justice. Five bathroom plans are shown to offer a wide range of designs that can be considered when designing small but highly usable bathrooms to fit the needs of most people.

Accessible Stock House Plans Catalog (pdf) -- The Center worked in cooperation with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to develop and promote the availability of accessible housing plans. This is the resulting catalog of floor plans and perspectives.  It includes plans and perspectives for six accessible homes and includes accessible features and ordering information for plan sets. For the actual plans, see note below.

Note: Actual Full-Size Plans (pdf) are available at http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/publications/pubhouseplans.htm

Funding: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Affordable and Universal Homes: A Plan Book (pdf) -- This plan book features five affordable and universal floor plans, adapted from new and existing designs. This publication is a result of a collaborative effort with local NC Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities:  A Guide for Accommodating All Members, Including People with Disabilities and Older Adults (pdf) -- This guide provides ways you can make a health club's facility and services more accessible to all people, including people with disabilities and older adults.  Illustrations demonstrate how barriers in the physical environment can be removed and how exercise equipment and programs can be designed to create a welcoming facility. 

Removing Barriers to Health Care: A Guide for Health Professionals (pdf) -- This booklet, developed by NCODH and the Center for Universal Design at N.C. State University, walks the health care provider through the process of making a medical facility physically accessible. It is complete with specific ADA requirements, picture illustrations, and some helpful tips on creating accessible environments and services.

Removing Barriers: Planning Meetings That are Accessible to all Participants (pdf) -- This publication highlights guidelines and strategies to help organizations make their meetings accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. The guide focuses on small and last-minute meetings to make sure that a variety of participants are included in all aspects of organizational life.