New York State Office for the Aging - Empowering New York Communities

Tools For Building Empowered Communities.

HOUSING

AARP (2008). Rate your home: Special needs checklist for home design. Policies Research for Professionals in Aging. http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/rate_home/a2004-03-23-special_needs.html

This article features a useful “yes” and “no” answer universal design checklist that can be completed online. Universal design is applicable to anyone who faces physical challenges.

Questions relate to poor strength in hands and arms; balance and coordination problems; trouble walking and climbing stairs; using a wheelchair; limited standing; reach; vision; and lastly hearing impairment. Links are provided to help with information on modifying your home.

The Center for Universal Design Publications
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/quicklinks_ql/qlquicklinks.htm (External Link)

New York State Model Planning and Zoning

New York State Housing, Planning, and Zoning Initiative:
The Legislature amended Section 202 of New York State Elder Law, directing the New York State Office for the Aging, in cooperation with the New York State Department of State, to empower citizens and municipalities to better respond to their dramatically changing populations. Under this initiative, municipalities across the State will be provided with information, technical assistance, and examples of successful models and practices focusing on the following areas: housing, universal design, planning, land use, zoning, energy alternatives and efficiency, green-building, and mobility and transportation. This resource will be widely disseminated as a means for supporting communities' efforts to create livable communities that reflect the evolving needs and preferences of older people, younger people with disabilities, families, and caregivers. This work is now underway - stay tuned for a resource manual and series of community forums

Planning and Zoning Issues that are critical to creating Livable Communties for older New Yorkers are presented by Linda King, Land Use Training Manager, New York State Department of State at a September 2008 conference on model planning and zoning issues.

The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/ (External Link)

Using Smart Growth Principles.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/about/principles/default.asp?res=1024 (External Link)