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  Universal Design  
  a kitchen designed to be accessible according to AARP specifications  
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  The kitchen illustrated above demonstrates various elements of Universal Design including:  
  • lower-height counters in strategic food prep areas,  
  • lower-height wall cabinets for ease of reach,  
  • knee space areas for handicap access,  
  • strategically placed blend of task, ambient, and accent lighting, and  
  • sight lines to exterior spaces.  
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  "The Universal Design concept considers those changes that are experienced by everyone as they grow from infancy to old age. Problems related to temporary or permanent disabilities are incorporated into the design as well. Because all groups are
placed within the context of normal expectations of the
human condition, trying to justify the importance of
each vulnerable population group becomes unnecessary."		  
  Leon A. Pastalan
Gerontologist and Urban Planner