Disability is a complex phenomenon — it represents the interaction between a person’s physical abilities, the activities they need to perform, and the architectural barriers within their surroundings. Each individual experiences this differently. Two people with the same impairment may describe their limitations in completely different ways. The blind navigate a world that is profoundly different from that of someone who is deaf — and both deserve spaces designed with equal accessibility in mind.

According to national reports, 19% of adults between ages 16 and 64 and 42% of those 65 and older live with a physical disability that affects their daily activities. These realities make it clear: accessibility isn’t just a senior issue — it’s a human one.

Building for All Ages and Abilities

This situation applies to everyone — adults, children, and individuals with special needs. The building industry must work together to ensure that every living environment meets essential human needs: safety, affordability, and structural integrity.

A truly accessible home supports privacy, belonging, control, safety, and security — the cornerstones of quality of life. These values should always guide the planning of any barrier-free design.

Common Barriers in Traditional Homes

Most traditional homes are full of hidden obstacles that restrict maneuverability for people with disabilities. These challenges become even more pronounced when mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs are required.

Common architectural barriers include:

• Steps at entryways with no alternative access

• Narrow doorways and hallways with tight turns

• Cramped bathrooms with poor fixture placement

• Inaccessible outdoor spaces and patios

• Kitchens that lack clear floor space or proper reach ranges

• Hard-to-operate door hardware that requires grip strength and coordination

These design flaws can turn an ordinary house into a daily struggle for anyone with mobility limitations.

The Evolution of the Accessible Home

Accessibility has evolved far beyond grab bars and ramps. Modern accessible design is now built into the foundation of the home — seamlessly integrated rather than added as an afterthought.

This shift reflects the growing adoption of Universal Design, a concept that focuses on creating spaces, products, and environments usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

Universal Design isn’t about making a home look institutional or medical. It’s about creating beauty, comfort, and functionality that everyone can enjoy — a design approach that feels natural, not clinical.

When done well, Universal Design improves safety and accessibility for every occupant and guest, often in ways that are practically invisible.

Accessible Home Design in Austin, Texas

For those in the Austin area seeking accessibility improvements, T-Square Company offers over 30 years of experience in barrier-free remodeling and accessible home design.

T-Square specializes in customized disability home modifications for residents of all ages, including:

• Expert and professional home assessments

• Wider doors and hallways

• Accessible bathrooms and roll-in showers

• Barrier-free kitchens

• Ramped entrances and zero-threshold transitions

• Stair lifts, elevators, and vertical platform lifts

• Fully accessible rooms designed to each client’s needs

Every design/build project begins with a clear understanding of the client’s abilities and goals, ensuring that the design solutions enhance both independence and comfort.

Meet David L. Traut, CAPS

David L. Traut, CAPS, owner and president of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, is part of a select group of professionals nationwide who have earned the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation.

This certification, offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with AARP, recognizes remodelers and builders trained to meet the unique needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

David is also certified in Universal Design in both the United States and Australia. Drawing on decades of expertise, he recently published Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, a comprehensive guide that explores the role of Universal Design in creating safe, accessible homes. David wrote this book as a means to help families through difficult times once their homes lacked optimal livability.

📘 Age in Place at Home takes readers room by room, explaining practical modifications that enhance safety, accessibility, and independence. The book is available now on Amazon.

Living Comfortably, Safely, and Independently

Never fear — almost any existing home can be modified to overcome accessibility challenges. With proper planning, professional guidance, and a bit of creativity, you can ensure that every family member enjoys comfort, safety, and freedom of movement.

Following the guidance in Age in Place at Home will not only improve your quality of life — it will also promote equality of access for everyone under your roof.

It just makes good sense.

When a family’s living situation suddenly changes, it may become necessary to modify the home to meet new needs. These adjustments often result in the creation of multi-generational homes, where comfort, safety, and independence are balanced for all ages.

The specific modifications depend on the situation — whether a parent is moving in, a child returns home, or a family member faces new mobility challenges. Below are common areas to consider when adapting your home for multiple generations.

Common Home Modifications for Changing Family Needs

Additional Bedrooms
When the family expands or someone new moves in, you may need extra bedrooms or sleeping areas. Consider converting a home office, den, or unused space to accommodate the change.

Bathroom Accessibility
For elderly or disabled family members, safety and convenience are priorities. Modifications may include:

• Installing grab bars

• Adding a roll-in or walk-in shower

• Lowering sinks and countertops

• Replacing toilets with accessible-height models

Kitchen Modifications
A larger or more diverse household benefits from flexible, inclusive kitchen design. Options include:

• Adjustable-height work surfaces

• Roll-under access at the sink or cook top

• Additional seating and storage

• Expanding the kitchen footprint for easier movement

Safety Features
Depending on your situation, you may need to add:

• Childproof or adult-proof features

• Non-slip flooring

• Improved lighting

• Smart home security or monitoring systems

Storage Solutions
More people often means more belongings. Add closets, built-ins, or cabinetry to maintain organization and reduce clutter.

Accessibility Ramps and Entries
For anyone with limited mobility, ramps and zero-threshold entries provide essential independence and safety.

Private Living Suites
In multi-generational households, separate living areas with their own entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom help maintain privacy and autonomy while keeping family close.

Heating and Cooling Considerations
If you’re adding square footage or an in-law suite, ensure your HVAC system can handle the increased demand efficiently.

The Aging in Place Mindset

Designing a multi-generational home is deeply connected to the philosophy of Aging in Place — a practice centered on usability, comfort, and independence for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Aging in Place design is not about age — it’s about universal usability. It focuses on long-term livability, ensuring that the home adapts as life changes.

The first step toward creating an adaptable home is a self-assessment. Walk through your house and identify potential problem areas:

• Tripping or slipping hazards

• Poor lighting or hard-to-reach switches

• Narrow doorways or tight spaces

• Difficult-to-maintain areas

Who better to identify problem spots than the person who uses the space daily? Many organizations, including AARP, provide Aging in Place checklists that highlight potential issues and suggest practical solutions. Once your initial assessment is complete, the next step is to seek the guidance of a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Working with a CAPS Professional

Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are trained builders, remodelers, and designers who understand the construction and emotional aspects of creating accessible homes. The CAPS designation, offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with AARP, connects responsible professionals with homeowners seeking these services.

A CAPS professional can:

• Evaluate your home’s current accessibility

• Recommend modifications tailored to your needs and budget

• Coordinate with occupational or physical therapists when necessary

• Manage projects with compassion, professionalism, and precision

You can find certified specialists for your specific location at nahb.org/CAPSdirectory.

Three Types of Aging in Place Clients

Understanding which group you fall into can help determine your home’s design priorities:

1. Proactive Planners – Individuals preparing wisely for the future to remain safely in their homes.

2. Chronic Condition Adapters – People managing ongoing medical issues who need to plan for future accessibility challenges.

3. Crisis Responders – Individuals facing sudden or severe mobility changes after illness, injury, or life-altering events.

All three groups represent the growing need for accessible remodeling and will continue to shape the future of residential design.

What Happens During a Professional Home Assessment

During a professional assessment, your CAPS professional will document the home’s current conditions and make detailed notes through sketches, measurements, and conversation. They’ll evaluate everything from flooring to lighting to ensure the layout fits the occupants’ physical and emotional needs.

They’ll also take into account:

• Mobility and reach range

• Sensory or cognitive challenges

• Caregiver involvement

Collaboration with occupational or physical therapists often adds valuable insight. The goal is a customized design that enhances independence, safety, and comfort — not a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

The three primary spaces typically involved in aging in place remodels are:

• Bathrooms — safety and ease of use

• Kitchens — independence and flexibility

• Living Areas — connection and comfort

These spaces are united by a clearly defined accessible route with wider doorways, non-slip flooring, and sufficient maneuvering space for mobility devices.

The Importance of Inclusive Design for All Ages

If children are part of the household, their height, reach, and mobility also influence the home’s design. Likewise, adults moving in may face challenges from common conditions such as arthritis, which can cause stiffness, joint pain, and reduced grip strength.

Designing for these realities doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty — it means integrating innovative universal design concepts that allow everyone to thrive. Features like lever handles, adjustable lighting, touch-control faucets, and curbless showers can make life easier for every family member.

Bringing It All Together

Creating a multi-generational home that supports aging in place is both a practical and compassionate decision. It’s an investment in your family’s future and quality of life.

As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (#1636580), T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, helps families design and remodel homes that grow with them — ensuring safety, comfort, and independence for years to come.

For more information or to schedule an assessment or consultation, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.

About CAPS Certification

Knowledgeable design and construction professionals nationwide are applying their Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) training — developed through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP — to help families live better, longer, and safer in their homes.

CAPS connects qualified professionals with homeowners seeking trustworthy, thoughtful remodeling solutions for accessible and universal design.

Closing Thought

Innovative aging-in-place design goes beyond accessibility — it’s about dignity, comfort, and belonging. Whether you’re modifying for a loved one, planning for the future, or creating a flexible family home, the right design can turn change into opportunity. To find out more:

After over a year of writing to fulfill my customers' requests, my book, "Age in Place At Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations", is available for purchase on Amazon.  Go to the link to order my paperback or e-book, which was released in late November, 2022. Additionally, an audiobook will also be available soon. The book provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home when Aging in Place. Get your copy today.

Let’s face it — accessible homes are something everyone will need at some point in life. Whether for ourselves, a family member, or a guest, accessibility enhances safety, comfort, and independence for all.

The need for home modifications isn’t driven by age—it’s shaped by life’s experiences. Any household living with a disability among its members can benefit from additional accessibility features that make everyday living smoother and safer.

Starting with ADA Guidelines

Except in extreme situations, complete ADA compliance isn’t required for private home remodeling. Still, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides a great foundation for accessible design.

The ADA’s measurements for clearances, ramp slopes, and grab bar placement create safe benchmarks to follow, even if you don’t need to meet every technical requirement. Remember, ADA standards are designed for public spaces and may not perfectly fit individual needs or body sizes.

When working on a private residence, you have the flexibility to adapt the best of ADA guidance while customizing it to your household’s specific mobility and lifestyle needs.

A Short History of the ADA

In the 1960s, disability advocates began to push for equal rights, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act, officially signed into law in 1990.

This groundbreaking legislation ensured equal access for people with disabilities across workplaces, transportation, and public accommodations. Over time, accessibility concerns expanded from physical barriers to include digital access — a vital step in today’s connected world.

The ADA continues to evolve, ensuring inclusion for people of all abilities in both physical and digital environments.

Disability and Design: The Human Connection

Disability isn’t defined only by physical impairments — it’s the interaction between a person’s abilities, their daily activities, and the design of their surroundings.

Language and understanding have evolved, too. Outdated terms like “handicapped” have been replaced with “physically challenged” or “person with a disability.” Each individual experiences limitations differently, which is why universal design—creating homes that work for everyone—is essential.

No matter your age, it’s important to regularly evaluate your home to ensure it meets your current and future needs. Life events such as childbirth, illness, injury, or caring for an aging parent can all prompt accessibility updates that keep your home safe and functional.

These same design principles form the foundation of Aging in Place, the practice of staying in your own home comfortably and independently for as long as possible.

Why Work with a CAPS Professional?

When accessibility challenges arise, homeowners often don’t know where to begin. That’s where Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) come in.

Developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP, the CAPS program trains professionals to design and remodel homes that meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. CAPS-certified experts understand both the technical construction requirements and the personal considerations of adapting a home for safety and independence.

You can find qualified CAPS professionals across the country at nahb.org/CAPS.

Meet Austin’s Local CAPS Expert

David L. Traut, CAPS, owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, is one of this elite group of specialists. With more than 30 years of experience, David helps homeowners remodel and design homes that support independent living for every stage of life.

T-Square Company provides complete home assessments with designs and full-service Aging in Place remodeling, including:

• Custom bathroom and kitchen modifications

• Barrier-free showers and grab bar installations

• Accessible entryways and widened doorways

• Whole-home alterations for increasing comfort, accessibility, independence, and safety

Call T-Square Company at 512-444-0097 to begin your next chapter of safe, accessible living — without leaving the comfort of your home.
CAPS #1636580

Learn More: “Age in Place at Home”

As an extension of his work, David has authored Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, now available on Amazon.

This comprehensive guide draws on over 30 years of experience and explains how to use Universal Design principles to make every room more livable. Whether you’re planning ahead or adapting for current needs, this book offers insights, ideas, and practical steps for keeping your home accessible for life--your forever home.

👉 Find Age in Place at Home on Amazon

Understanding Disability and Home Design

Disability is not simply a medical condition—it’s a complex interaction between a person’s physical abilities, the activities they need to perform, and the built environment surrounding them. The same impairment affects individuals differently: someone who is blind experiences daily life in an entirely different way than someone with deafness or limited mobility.

According to national reports, 19% of Americans between ages 16 and 64, and an even higher 42% of adults 65 and older, live with a physical disability that affects their daily routines. These statistics underscore why aging in place—the ability to remain safely and comfortably in one’s own home—has become such an important priority for individuals and families.

The Home Environment Matters

Disability and accessibility are not issues that affect only older adults. Children and younger adults with special needs face similar challenges when home environments don’t support their independence. To be truly inclusive, the entire building industry—from architects to remodelers—must work together to ensure that every home meets essential needs for comfort, safety, and dignity.

An accessible home should nurture a sense of privacy, belonging, control, and security for all who live there. These are not luxuries—they are vital ingredients of a fulfilling quality of life.

The Problem with Traditional Homes

Most homes are full of hidden barriers that make life harder for people with mobility or sensory limitations. Common challenges include:

• Steep steps or raised thresholds at entries

• Narrow doorways and tight hallways with abrupt turns

• Cramped bathrooms that limit fixture access

• Inaccessible kitchens and outdoor spaces

• Door hardware and cabinetry that demand grip strength and coordination

Once a mobility device like a wheelchair or walker enters the picture, these limitations become magnified. What once felt “normal” suddenly becomes restrictive, unsafe, or impossible.

The Rise of Universal Design

Fortunately, accessible home design has evolved far beyond grab bars and ramps. The modern standard—Universal Design—focuses on creating spaces, products, and environments that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age or ability, without the need for later adaptations.

Universal Design is built right into the foundation of a space. When applied well, it feels natural and attractive—offering safety, flexibility, and ease without looking “institutional.” It’s the design philosophy that lets people live comfortably, age gracefully, and welcome everyone.

Accessibility Solutions in Austin, Texas

For those seeking increased accessibility in Central Texas, T-Square Company provides professional guidance and expert craftsmanship. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in handicap-accessible homes and barrier-free remodeling, tailoring every project to the client’s specific needs.

Our accessibility services include:

• Wider entries and hallways

• Accessible bathrooms and roll-in showers

• Kitchen redesigns for reach and comfort

• Ramped or level entries

• Vertical platform lifts, stair lifts, and elevators

• Fully accessible bedroom or living spaces

Every home modification is uniquely designed to match the resident’s physical abilities, routines, and goals—because true accessibility is personal.

About David L. Traut, CAPS

David L. Traut, owner and president of T-Square Company in Austin, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Universal Design professional certified in both the United States and Australia. He is part of a select group of remodelers nationwide with the expertise to create homes that adapt to their occupants’ changing needs.

David’s lifelong commitment to inclusive, barrier-free living inspired his book,
Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations,
which explores Universal Design principles and guides readers room by room toward creating a safe, functional, and beautiful home for every stage of life.

Moving Forward: A Home for Every Ability

The good news is that almost any home can be adapted with proper planning and know-how. When you design with accessibility in mind, you’re investing not only in convenience but in peace of mind, safety, and family togetherness.

Your quality of life—and that of your loved ones—will improve when every family member enjoys equal access and independence throughout the home.

It just makes good sense.

📘 Explore More

Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations
Available now in paperback, eBook, and very soon audiobook formats on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.