AARP Maryland Supports Universal Design to Promote Accessible and Safe Housing for All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 07, 2023

Contact: Tammy Bresnahan, AARP Maryland Senior Associate State Director of Advocacy, 410-302-8451, Tbresnahan@aarp.org

AARP Maryland Supports CB-065-023 Universal Design to Promote Accessible and Safe Housing for All

Annapolis, MD. – AARP Maryland, represented by Tammy Bresnahan, senior director of advocacy, and AARP Suitland Chapter #939, represented by Catherine Williamson, chapter president, Linda Bright, chapter vice president and ranking chapter members Charlesetta Griffin and Harriette Irving, proudly endorses -- CB-065-023 -- Universal Design, a critical legislation introduced by Prince George’s County Council Member Ivey. AARP Maryland is committed to promoting and advocating for universal design principles to ensure accessible and age-friendly housing options for older adults.         

A recent AARP survey revealed that an overwhelming 90% of adults aged 50 and older prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes. However, as individuals age, they often encounter obstacles within their living environment, making independent living increasingly challenging. To address these issues and support the desire of older citizens to age in place, AARP Maryland encourages policymakers and the private sector to embrace universal design principles in construction and renovation.

Universal design is grounded in the principle that housing should be accessible to the widest range of individuals. For example, a zero-step entrance is not only beneficial for individuals in wheelchairs but also offers convenience to people of all ages and abilities. By incorporating universal design elements, homes can become inclusive and adaptable to changing needs, allowing individuals to reside comfortably throughout their lives.

Universal design aims to create usable and barrier-free environments for individuals of all ages and ability levels without further adaptation encompassing wider doorways, spacious kitchens and bathrooms with maneuvering space, and accessible switches and handles. These simple yet effective design elements facilitate independent living and enable individuals to age within the familiarity and comfort of their homes.

AARP Maryland commends Council Member Ivey for introducing Prince George’s County Council Bill -- CB-065-023 -- Universal Design and thanks all those involved in supporting this crucial legislation. By promoting universal design, we can create a future where individuals of all ages and abilities can thrive in their homes and communities.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, including over 850,000 in Maryland, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​

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