SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 30

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY



5006L.02I

Whereas, universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all persons, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption or specialized design; and



Whereas, the intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and homes more usable by as many persons as possible at little or no extra cost; and



Whereas, the average lifespan has increased to age 76, with nearly 80 percent of the population living past the age of 65. Projections based on the United States Census Bureau estimates indicate that the number of persons ages 65 and over will grow to almost 40 million by the year 2010 and by the year 2020 the number of persons over the age of 85 will be between 7 and 8 million; and



Whereas, more people are living with disability, with an estimated 8.6 million persons having difficulty with one or more activities of daily living and 4.1 million persons needing personal assistance of some kind; and



Whereas, universal design strives to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream and recognizes the significant limitations imposed by products and environments designed and built without regard to the needs and rights of all citizens of this nation and state; and



Whereas, with the potential consumers utilizing universal design homes who may be functionally limited by age or disability increasing at a dramatic rate, these populations are no longer an insignificant or silent minority; and



Whereas, the current generation of children, baby boomers entering middle age, older adults, persons with disabilities, and individuals inconvenienced by circumstance constitute a market majority, and these constituencies and all consumers deserve to be recognized and respected; and



Whereas, the use of no-step entries, and wider entryways, hallways, interior doorways, and bathroom and kitchen spaces will benefit all consumers as well as those persons with disabilities; and



Whereas, the State of Missouri should endorse the concept of universal design in new home construction and encourage builders to utilize universal design features that make homes safer, more convenient, and comfortable for all persons regardless of age, size, or ability:



Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-first General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby endorse the concept of universal design in the construction of new homes, products, and environments, and encourage builders to utilize universal design features in the construction of new homes.


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