Universal Design Home Tour
Madison, WI
Walk through a newly built home that shows Universal Design in action — from the step-free entry to the adaptable kitchen.
Universal Design Coalition
Design for life, not just for today.
Universal Design creates homes and public spaces that work for people of every age and ability — and keep working as life changes.
What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is a way of planning spaces so they work well for as many people as possible, without special adaptation. It anticipates how people of different ages, sizes, and abilities will actually move through a home or a public place.
The idea is simple: instead of retrofitting a space after someone's needs change, we design it thoughtfully from the start. A step-free entry, a well-lit hallway, a lever door handle — small choices that quietly make life easier for everyone.
Why it matters
Most homes are built for a narrow slice of life — able-bodied adults in their prime years. But needs change. A new baby, a sprained ankle, a parent moving in, a knee that no longer bends the way it used to.
When a space is designed for the full arc of life, people can stay in the homes and communities they love, longer and more safely. Good design removes friction before it ever becomes a barrier.
Who it helps
Universal Design isn't only for older adults or people with disabilities — though it serves them well. It helps the parent carrying groceries and a toddler, the delivery worker with a loaded cart, the neighbor recovering from surgery, and the family that simply wants a home that grows with them.
When we design for the widest range of people, everyone benefits.
Fall prevention, built in
Falls are among the most common and preventable causes of injury at home. Thoughtful design addresses them quietly: even flooring, good lighting, reachable storage, sturdy support where it's needed, and clear paths through every room.
The Coalition works with families, builders, and community partners to make fall prevention a natural part of how spaces are designed — not an afterthought added once something goes wrong.
Upcoming Events
Register for Universal Design Home Tour (opens in a new tab) →
Fall Prevention Workshop
Sun Prairie Public Library
A hands-on evening session covering practical, low-cost changes that reduce fall risk at home.
Designing for a Lifetime — Community Forum
Madison Central Library
Builders, planners, and families come together to talk about how our community can design for every stage of life.
Resources
A curated starting point for learning about Universal Design, planning home modifications, and preventing falls. Each link opens a trusted outside resource.
Home Modification
Home Modifications Checklist (opens in a new tab)
A room-by-room guide to changes that make a home safer and easier to live in as needs change over time.
Home Modification
Aging in Place: A Planning Guide (opens in a new tab)
How to think ahead so a home can support independent living for decades, not just today.
Home Modification
Zero-Step Entries and Accessible Approaches (opens in a new tab)
Why a step-free entry is one of the highest-value design choices — and how to plan one well.
Fall Prevention
Lighting for Safety and Comfort (opens in a new tab)
Good lighting prevents falls and eases everyday tasks. A short guide to getting it right in key areas.
Community
Universal Design in Public Spaces (opens in a new tab)
How the same principles that make homes better also shape welcoming parks, sidewalks, and civic buildings.
Education
Educator Toolkit: Teaching Universal Design (opens in a new tab)
Lesson ideas and background reading for introducing Universal Design in classrooms and workshops.
Universal Design
The 7 Principles of Universal Design (opens in a new tab)
The foundational framework behind Universal Design, from the Center for Universal Design — clear, well-illustrated, and a great first read.
Fall Prevention
Preventing Falls at Home (opens in a new tab)
A practical checklist from the CDC's STEADI program for spotting and fixing common fall hazards, room by room.
Our community partners
We're grateful to the organizations whose support makes this work possible. Their partnership helps us reach more families across our community.
Let's design for the long term
Whether you're planning a home, supporting a loved one, or building for your community, we'd love to help you get started.
Contact the Coalition