"Millions of baby boomers are approaching the golden years. While it's a marker worth celebrating, it can also be a reminder of uncertain times ahead. How will I manage? Can I stay in my home? The Accessible Home goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. With a focus on closing the gap between home and homeowner, architect Deborah Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design--from hiring the right architect to creating a pleasing space with the final details. Plus, an insider's look at 25 case studies shows that the best design is built in, not tacked on, and that "accessible" can be both beautiful and functional. The Accessible Home empowers people of all ages and challenges them to create homes that restore independence and the grace of daily living"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

Discusses accessibility in the home, arguing that built in designs rather than tacked on can be functional and make living in the house easier for both people with disabilities and those without. - (Baker & Taylor)

"The idea of the accessible home has evolved beyond grab-bars and ramps to one where accessibility is built into the design, making living in the house easier both for people with disabilities and those without disabilities, young and old"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

"One of the best new guides I have run across to achieve this goal is The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages & Abilities, by Deborah Pierce. The structure of this handbook is smart”
– Meg White, REALTOR® Magazine

“I found myself paging through The Accessible Home, foraging for ideas for my own home--having forgotten that this was a specialized book only for those with disabilities.”
– Lee Wallender, About.com Guide, Home Renovations

"As author, Deborah Pierce understands and conveys it, “universal design” aims at creating buildings and spaces that allow use by the disabled and able-bodied alike."
- The Detroit News

"A terrific guide"
– The Wall Street Journal

Millions of baby boomers are approaching the golden years. While it’s a marker worth celebrating, it can also be a reminder of uncertain times ahead. How will I manage? Can I stay in my home?

The Accessible Home goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. With a focus on closing the gap between home and homeowner, architect Deborah Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design—from hiring the right architect to creating a pleasing space with the final details.

Plus, an insider’s look at 25 case studies shows that the best design is built in, not tacked on, and that “accessible” can be both beautiful and functional. The Accessible Home empowers people of all ages and challenges them to create homes that restore independence and the grace of daily living.

A guide that goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. With a focus on closing the gap between home and homeowner, Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design. - (Ingram Publishing Services)

The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities by architect Deborah Pierce is your comprehensive guide to creating a living environment that supports independence and enhances quality of life.

By embracing the concepts in The Accessible Home, you can design a home that not only meets physical needs but also reflects your personal style. Use this approachable book to help make a living space a place of comfort, beauty, and functionality for everyone.

Key Features:

• Universal Design Principles: Go beyond basic modifications like ramps and grab bars. This book introduces you to the principles of universal design, providing a holistic approach to making your home accessible without sacrificing beauty or style. Learn how to create spaces that are functional and pleasing to the eye.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Pierce expertly guides you through the entire design process—from selecting the right architect to understanding how to implement thoughtful design choices that meet diverse needs. This invaluable advice is applicable whether you’re designing a new home or renovating an existing space.

• Inspiring Case Studies: Discover 25 real-life case studies that showcase innovative solutions for accessible living. These examples illustrate that accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into any home, proving that function and aesthetics can coexist harmoniously.

• Empowerment Through Design: The Accessible Home encourages readers to take control of their living spaces. It empowers individuals of all ages and abilities to create environments that promote independence, comfort, and dignity, ultimately restoring the grace of daily living.

• Thoughtful Details Matter: The book emphasizes that the best designs are built in, not tacked on. From selecting the right materials to making strategic layout decisions, every detail plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility.

DEBORAH PIERCE, AIA, is founding partner, project architect, and firm manager of Pierce Lamb Architects in Newton, Massachusetts. Architectural accessibility has been a special focus of Deborah's work since the firm's inception. As national chair of the AIA Advisory Group for Small Project Practitioners, she has raised awareness for Universal Design in private residences through the AIA's Small Project Design Awards program and a 2010 National Convention seminar. She is also a frequent lecturer on the hot topic of accessibility.