While some see regulation as a burden, many professional see Universal Design principals as a great way to inspire creativity and innovation. Meeting the multiple challenges of simplicity of use and universal access can result in elegant and timeless design that is appreciated by all who encounter it in daily use.

1. Equitable
Provide equitable access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. Design should appeal to everyone and provide an equal level of safety for all users.

2. Flexible
The built environment or product accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the user’s lifespan.

3. Simple and Intuitive
The layout and design is easily understood by users with a wide range of experience or cognitive ability. Design elements .

4. Perceptible Information
Information should make use of multiple senses when possible. Visual, audible or tactile methods expand utility, safety and effectiveness of the environment or product.

5. Tolerance for Error
The goal here is to reduce the chance of unintentional misuse or injury by anticipating various user abilities and perceptual styles.

6. Low Physical Effort
The environment or product should accommodate users with limited strength, stamina or dexterity..

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
Design should reflect the needs of diverse individuals to easily access and use space, equipment and controls. All potential users should be able to reach, see and operate all elements of the home or product safely.

Remember, pets are one thing, but legitimate service, support or companion* animals are another under local and federal law. (*In Idaho, ‘companion’ animals regarded as having a therapeutic purpose for someone with a qualifying disability may not be considered pets)

The Delta Society, a national organization promoting service animal training, education and use offers this detailed description of the various categories as follows:

“Service animals are legally defined (Americans With Disabilities Act, 1990) and are trained to meet the disability-related needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places. Service animals are not considered “pets.”

Therapy animals are not legally defined by federal law, but some states have laws defining therapy animals. They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and work with their handlers to provide services to others. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have “no pets” policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals.

Companion animal is not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for pet (note exception under Idaho law above).

“Social/therapy” animals likewise have no legal definition. They often are animals that did not complete service animal or service dog training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other factors, and are made available as pets for people who have disabilities. These animals might or might not meet the definition of service animals.” (Source: Delta Society)

Fraudulent claims – While the vast majority of reasonable accommodation requests involving animals are legitimate, some abuse does occur (although the presence of fraud in a segment of overall requests is no reason to deny a specific request). Third-party professionals asked to write letters requesting a service, support or companion animal should not take the request lightly; in the event of a legal challenge, their judgment (just like anyone involved in a legal dispute) may be open to question. Many disability rights advocates stress that fraudulent or frivolous claims undermine the credibility of the process and ultimately insult those whom this law was designed to protect. It is in everyone’s interest to maintain the integrity of this legal right.

Multiple animals – “The Fair Housing Act does not specifically limit the number of service animals an individual with a disability may have. Requests for multiple service animals may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. It is possible that housing providers may impose limitations if it can be demonstrated that an individual’s request for reasonable accommodation exceeds what is necessary for that person to have full use and enjoyment of the premises.” (Source: Delta Society)

Damage, behavior and cleanup – Lease agreements may still hold tenants liable for damages caused by such animals and/or for unreasonable impacts to fellow tenants or neighbors. Tenants may still be expected to comply with local leash, kennel ordinances and/or laws involving animal waste.

• Consider all requests for reasonable modifications to the dwelling or common use areas, at the tenant’s expense, if necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing. (In cases where public financing is involved, landlords or property owners may be required to pay for reasonable accommodations.)
• Consider all requests for reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing.

*Exceptions for private housing providers may include modifications that pose an “undue financial or administrative burden,” or for requests from tenants that may pose a “direct threat to others.” Landlords or housing providers may request third-party verification that the tenant meets the legal definition for disability, and that the requested modification is both reasonable and effective in addressing the disability in question. Landlords may not ask about the specific nature of the disability.

Note. Consideration does not always result in approval. Whether a request is ultimately approved or denied is a decision that should be informed by careful deliberation and a thorough understanding of the laws and request involved. For consumers and providers alike, when in doubt, consult an expert for clarification. In some cases, an alternative accommodation may be exist that meets and respects the needs of both parties.The Accessibility Improvements Program, or AIP (administered by IHFA in cooperation with local Independent Living Centers) provides resources for qualifying households to make modifications that increase accessibility. For more information on this program, see Accessibility Improvements for the Disabled

Requirements for New Buildings

In buildings that are ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, and have an elevator and four or more units:

• Public and common areas must be accessible to persons with disabilities
• Doors and hallways must be wide enough for wheelchairs
• All units must have an accessible route into and through the unit
• All units must have accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls
• Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars and
• Kitchens and bathrooms that can be used by people in wheelchairs.