During a routine ultrasound at the 5th month of my wife’s pregnancy, doctors discovered that our baby had a myriad of physical abnormalities. Though the rest of his body appeared to be growing and functioning normally, his arms and legs were as if they’re frozen, crooked at an atypical angle. We were soon given a dire,
pre-natal prognosis of “Fetal Akinesia Deformation Sequence”, a genetically rooted condition which in a nutshell, meant that the likelihood of our baby’s survival is questionable, and disability is almost definite.

When my son Miles was born, we were thrilled to see that he was healthy, his life was not in jeopardy! He does carry with him a new, post-natal diagnosis though. Arthrogryposis, which means his joints and limbs are mostly weak, immobile in some places. Since then, as my wife and I made plans for our son’s future, we have learned so much about housing that adopts Universal Design (find out more below).

We started noticing many things that we previously took for granted, such as width of doors to accommodate wheelchairs, how important automated doors are for ease of access, and much, much more. We also started to understand how a home, depending on its design, can either be disabling or further enabling independence. More recently, I am also thrilled to find out about Province of Ontario’s initiative to amend its building code to include more accessibility requirements for new office, industrial and multi-residential buildings. According to Statistics Canada, about 15 per cent of the population has some form of disability. Now, the building code requires that 15 per cent of homes within a new multi-unit residential building have a barrier-free path. Doors and hallways have to be wider to allow room for a wheelchair and ramp dimensions have been updated to make new buildings easier to access.

While the world is indeed not designed for the disabled, I am so encouraged to see that many empathetic individuals have advocated for necessary changes to make life more inclusive and barrier-free for everyone. These adaptations are particularly important to a country like Canada with a burgeoning aging population. Through the life of my son and a newfound sense of purpose, I have gained a deep sense of calling to serve and advocate for the community who is in need of barrier-free properties, whether its people with handicap, or the aging.

I have recently earned the designation of SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist), which further equips me with the expertise to advise clients aged 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. I look forward to knowing you, and serving you.

Find out more about Miles’ Story: http://milesgenuinelam.tumblr.com

‍Find out more about Arthrogryposis: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/
777/arthrogryposis-multiplex-congenita

What is Universal Design?

Genuine + Gencan cares deeply about design, in particular Universal Design within the context of architecture.(also known as “inclusive design” or “barrier-free design”)

According to the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, Universal Design is the design and structure of an environment so that it can be understood, accessed, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age or ability.

That means that when architects and city planners think about and plan around peoples’ diverse needs and abilities (like kids, parents, seniors, people with injuries or illnesses, and people with disabilities) they can create environments that actually meet those needs and abilities.

The Basic Principles of Universal Design

The original concept of Universal Design was created by architect and industrial designer, and wheelchair user, Ronald Mace.

In 1997, Ronald led a working group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers, to create the 7 principles of Universal Design to help guide the design process of environments, products and communications. Here's a summary of the principles.

1. Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

2. Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

3. Simple & Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

4. Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

5. Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

6. Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

7. Size & Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.