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Ad Hoc Special Permit Residential Development Zoning By-law Committee <br /> Value Statement of Commission on Disability <br /> August 20, 2019 <br /> The Commission on Disability believes that accessibility, diversity and inclusion are <br /> integral to the priorities and values of our community. These principles must be applied to <br /> affordable housing options. We believe that basic architectural access features in new <br /> homes is a civil and human right that improves livability for everyone. <br /> More specifically, the Commission on Disability asks the Ad Hoc Special Permit <br /> Residential Zoning Committee to consider the following when drafting bylaw amendments <br /> for affordable housing: <br /> • To aspire to exceed basic access and aim for the inclusive principles of universal <br /> design: We want to support the Select Board's aspiration to exceed regulatory <br /> access as described in the ADA and look to a more inclusive perspective, often <br /> described as universal design. This perspective supports design considerations in the <br /> built environment that allow for access by the greatest number of people possible <br /> without having to integrate special access considerations. Universal design <br /> emphasizes convenience, adaptability, simplicity and flexibility. It helps improve <br /> safety and livability. <br /> • To promote "visitability" standards: We encourage the development of visitability <br /> standards in the design of new housing. Visitability standards reflect access <br /> considerations in a home anticipating all visitors as well as changes in ability during <br /> the course of a lifetime. Nearly 80% of older adults want to "age in place", which <br /> depends on access to affordable housing that incorporates universal design <br /> fundamentals. Examples of these access considerations include at least one flush <br /> entry way into a home, 36" wide doorways, lever door and faucet handles, rocker <br /> light switches, bathrooms designed with proper studs in the event safety rails are <br /> needed, and designing a tub that can be easily converted to a roll-in shower. These <br /> standards have been adopted in some communities around the country but if <br /> adopted in Lexington, they would make a bold statement about our community's <br /> interest in supporting residents in their homes across a lifetime. <br /> Victoria Buckley <br /> Chair, Commission on Disability <br /> August 20, 2019 <br />