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.

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.

At T-Square Company, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping families create homes that are safe, comfortable, and built for every stage of life. Now, our President and Owner, David L. Traut, has brought that same experience and passion to the page in his book: Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations.

Why This Book Matters

The concept of “aging in place” is simple but powerful: with the right planning and design, people can continue living independently in the homes they love, even as their needs change. For many, staying home means holding on to dignity, comfort, and treasured memories.

Drawing on his decades of work as a builder and CAPS-certified professional, David wrote Age in Place at Home to be more than just a construction guide. It’s a roadmap for homeowners, families, caregivers, and professionals who want practical solutions and peace of mind.

What You’ll Learn Inside

• Home Modifications That Matter Most — from safe bathrooms to wider doorways, grab bars, and better lighting.

• Universal Design Principles — creating beautiful spaces that work for everyone, not just those with special needs.

• Fall Prevention & Safety Tips — simple adjustments that make a big difference in daily life.

• Planning for the Future — how to think ahead so your home adapts gracefully as life changes.

• Resources & Guidance — including checklists, questions to ask contractors, and financial assistance options.

Who Should Read It

• Homeowners who want to prepare their house for the future.

• Families caring for aging loved ones.

• Builders, designers, and architects interested in Universal Design.

• Anyone who believes that home should always be a place of safety, dignity, and belonging.

Where to Find the Book

Age in Place at Home is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions.

👉 Click here to view the book on Amazon

Final Thoughts

This book is more than a professional resource — it’s a personal mission. As David often says, “Home isn’t just where you live. It’s where you belong.”

At T-Square Company, we’re proud to bring that philosophy to life every day — and now, through Age in Place at Home, we’re excited to share it with readers everywhere.

I feel the information contained within my book, "Age In Place At Home"  is so important for families searching to find answers concerning their traditional home once any family member has experienced health changes interrupting the family's daily cadence. These changes might include a broken limb, the affects of a constantly degenerative disease like MS, or a stroke, just to name a few. Once the afflicted person can no longer enter their bedroom or have adequate use of at least one bathroom's facilities, the family is aware their home has an architectural problem. The interrupted family becomes aware they need some sort of home modifications to help cope with the personal changes of the affected family member, but do not know where to turn for help. This is where the book comes into play. The news of my book's availability warranted reposting because it is an invaluable reference tool for any family unit going forward in reference to their home's possible modifications to increase accessibility. After over a year of writing to fulfill my customers' requests, my new book, "Age in Place At Home," is available for purchase from Amazon. Go to the link below to order my paperback book, which was released in late November, 2022. It provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home to accentuate universal accessibility for those needing it the most. Get your copy today.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2Z24ENUUAEWUK&K=13Y7YU7PKKYAC&M=urn:rtn:msg:20221010201802eb9acb7b24004a4785cd2ec1d4f0p0na&R=3R6MK9WDXJPH7&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BHTV28RV%3Fref_%3Dpe_3052080_276849420&H=7FWEPMGCH0TT8LN6SKPMUOCVJNYA&ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

A home's adaptability is one of the most desired qualities within a person's home during some point in their life as their or their family's physical needs change. The need for specific modifications to enhance accessibility can be short term while recovering from an accident or illness at any age, or  these home alterations may become permanent. The special individual needs within a family may concern an adult or a child. Universal design principles don't discriminate between any family members regardless of age, size, or ability because they are inclusive. Hence, every family member is accounted for. Learn how to adapt your home environment to satisfy your family's needs in David Traut's new book, "Age in Place at Home".

T-Square Company, in Austin, Texas, practices Universal Design/Build ideas for accessibility to seamlessly segue into what is generally needed for Aging in Place. The essence of my book is to advise people so they understand why our traditional homes are obsolete to us, the homeowners, the minute they are completed and we take possession. The book offers advice to overcome these overwhelmingly problematic areas of the home. This understated and overlooked fact is represented by the methodology used to create the traditional home. These homes are built to satisfy our immediate lifestyle and physical needs on the day we close on the house, with no regard for the future. The new home lacks adaptability to satisfy our needs once our bodies physically change beyond the purchase date. If we had incorporated the Universal Design principles into these new homes, those same homes would adapt to our changing family needs including every inhabitant regardless of age, size, or ability. The lack of home adaptability is not the consumers fault, they have always been unaware of how to reference the problem and accepted what the housing market produced. They were unaware of what to ask for. Hence, the status-quo of homebuilding has been perpetuated  for over a hundred years.

T-Square Company offers all types of Universal Design home modifications to better prepare you and your family for your unforeseeable future home accessibility needs on a design/build basis. It is a fact, existing, traditional homes must be modified to increase their accessibility using correct designs. Become aware and embrace the knowledge that the principles of Universal Design offer greater home accessibility for every one of your home members, from your father to your son. This is why the process is known as inclusive design. 

David L. Traut, CAPS, has been involved with accessibility for nearly thirty years for the VA, HUD,  and private residences. He is nationally certified in Universal Design in the United States and Australia. Contact him at 512-444-0097 for a professional home assessment to guide your future accessibility needs or at www.tsquareco.com. Simply fill out your information on the contact us page.

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After over a year of writing to fulfill my customers' requests, my new book, "Age in Place At Home," is finally available for purchase from Amazon.  Go to the link below to order my paperback book, which was released in late November, 2022. It provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home. Get your copy today.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2Z24ENUUAEWUK&K=13Y7YU7PKKYAC&M=urn:rtn:msg:20221010201802eb9acb7b24004a4785cd2ec1d4f0p0na&R=3R6MK9WDXJPH7&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BHTV28RV%3Fref_%3Dpe_3052080_276849420&H=7FWEPMGCH0TT8LN6SKPMUOCVJNYA&ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

A home's adaptability is one of the most desired qualities within a person's home during some point in their life as their or their family's personal needs change. Specific needs to enhance a home's accessibility can be short term while recovering from an accident or illness at any age, or  these home alterations may become permanent. The special needs may concern an adult or a child. Universal design principles don't discriminate between any family members regardless of age, size, or ability. Every family member is included. Learn how to adapt your home environment to satisfy your family's needs in David Traut's new book, Age in Place at Home.

T-Square Company, in Austin, Texas, practices Universal Design accessibility to segue into Aging in Place seamlessly. The essence of my book is to advise people so they understand why our homes are obsolete to us, the homeowners, the minute they are completed.  This fact is represented by the methodology used to create the traditional home. They are built to satisfy our immediate lifestyle and physical needs on the day we close on the house, with no regard for the future. The new home lacks adaptability to satisfy our needs once our bodies change beyond the purchase date. If we had incorporated the Universal Design principles into these new homes, those same homes would adapt to our changing family needs including every inhabitant regardless of age, size, or ability. The lack of home adaptability is not the consumers fault, they have always been unaware of how to reference the problem and accepted what the housing market gave them. They were unaware of what to ask for. Hence, the status-quo of building has been perpetuated  for over a hundred years.

T-Square Company offers all types of Austin Universal Design home modifications to better prepare you and your family for your unforeseeable home accessibility future on a design/build basis. Existing, traditional homes must be modified to increase their accessibility using correct designs. Become aware and embrace the knowledge that the principles of Universal Design offer greater home accessibility for every one of your home members, from your father to your son. This is why the process is known as inclusive design which is a part of our universal design/build ideas. Furthermore, T-Square Company specializes in Austin elder living solutions and Austin senior home modifications. 

David L. Traut, CAPS, has been involved with accessibility for nearly thirty years for the VA, HUD,  and private residences.  T-Square Company offers a complete assortment of Aging in Place services in Austin. Contact him at 512-444-0097 for a professional home assessment to guide your future accessibility needs or at www.tsquareco.com. Simply fill out your contact information on the "contact us" page.

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Human problems must be solved using correct design changes. The principles of Universal Design solve accessibility issues for the most significant number of people. Special needs children, people who have become seriously injured, people living with a debilitating disease, people with sensory limitations or intellectual limitations, and last but not least, the people who are planning to stay in their homes for as long as possible while Aging in Place all benefit from accessible homes. The need to provide for disabilities during elder construction or home modifications for special needs children empowers us to create environments wherein people can function effectively. As our society evolves away from institutionalized care, editing and making a home more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for children, older adults, and their visitors benefits the comfort and lifestyle of the entire family. By the way, how are you planning for your future when it concerns editing your existing home which may no longer fit your family's evolving needs?

Let's start by defining what is meant by a home edit intended to accentuate an accessible home. First of all, it's main purpose is to increase organizational skills and to reduce clutter which promotes home safety and lifestyle trends. It produces a home that is more visually appealing, efficient, and functional. Going further, the identification and removal of a home's architectural barriers using Universal Design home modifications completes the need for safety and independence promoting a healthy living environment. Forward-thinking homeowners, in turn, experience a better quality of life from the benefits of a home edit. Finally the accessible home stands as the defined course for a Universal Designed home. In these edited accessible homes, performing as a Universal Design contractor, T-Square Company in Austin, Texas identifies a home's architectural barriers and removes them during a design/build remodel to increase safety and independence.  Accessible homes of Austin, or anywhere else for that matter, provide homeowners with a means to stay healthy, independent, and safe. People exhibiting any form of disability can live comfortably as well as fully functional individuals.

Tweet and understand this fact of life!  Accessible homes will be needed by everyone at some uncertain time within their life. This edit or change can be prompted for ourselves, a family member, or a visitor. This action defines the Aging in Place concept and its associated CAPS accreditation, a nationally registered credential offered through the NAHB.  Its function is to keep people in their homes longer and provide safety and independence to all homeowners. What is more, Universal Design segues seamlessly into Aging in Place.

Because everyone ages differently and has different needs and wants over time, a universal solution providing a design for all is needed. The factors that constitute the Aging in Place market for individuals is based on their genetic makeup and lifestyle, including their choices chosen while living and their living environment. These factors have brought about the need for Universal Design. This process is the design of products, services, and environments usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation avoiding future adaptation or specialized alterations. It provides the most significant safety and access for home guests or occupants and is undetectable when done well. Since so few homes share the accessibility offered by Universal Design, to satisfy the needs of a particular household member brought about by an accident, an illness, or simply the aging process, there will always be a need for customized and prudent accessibility features.  A seasoned CAPS-accredited remodeling professional has the ability to accomplish this desire by producing a truly safe and functional design. This same competent design/build home remodeling company that understands and practices Aging in Place home modifications should accomplish the work according to the principles of Universal Design ensuring your family's safety and accessibility. Certified Aging in Place specialists are listed in Washington on the NAHB CAPS website.

The concept of the accessible home has evolved beyond the basic grab bars and ramps to one in which accessibility is built into the basic design.  Universal Design makes living in a home easier for people of all ages and abilities.  Accessible design is beautiful and functional and never needs to have any institutional appearance.  As our aging baby boomer population ages, the need for accessibility in the home is becoming ever more critical. Our new way of viewing the basic home in our society coupled with our antiquated architecture is giving way to a revolution in home design. Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges can partner up with CAPS design professionals, architects, and their own families to create homes to restore capabilities, independence, and grace to daily living.

Honestly, accessible homes are needed by all of us at some time in our lives. This is true whether it's for ourselves, an elderly family member, or a physically-challenged guest. The need is certainly not driven by age, but is a result of life's experience. For example, a child or young adult who has sustained a cervical spine injury will benefit from precise home modifications to increase their independence much like an elderly person. Any family living with disability among any of it's generations within it's group can always benefit from additional accessibility. This will in turn increase safety and independence for all family members involved as they go through life.

Each physically-challenged child or aging individual having similar impairments describes his or her limitations differently. The blind don't experience their world the same as a person with deafness. Some of our societal statistics that weigh into aging in place situations include reports stating that 19% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64 and 42% of those of us 65 and over have a physical disability affecting the activities of their daily lives. For an adult's progressive condition, elderly home design in Austin and aging in place home remodeling definitely comes into play. Elder construction and remodeling is the only way to insure the safety, mobility and independence of the homeowner or family member requiring the home modifications.

The two main groups driving this aging in place market are those people who are 65 and over and the baby boomers. The first group is projected to reach 55 million in 2020. The baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1965 today make up 28% of the U.S. population and are made up of some 77 million people. Bathroom modifications for the disabled in existing homes is important because people of age 50 and older want to remain in their current home for as long as possible requiring elder living solutions.

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and Home Innovation Research Labs, created the CAPS program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry--home modifications for Aging in Place. Elderly home design in Austin should only be done by an experienced CAPS certified remodeling company like T-Square Company, providing a full compliment of Aging in Place services. These services include assessment of the home, specifications and designs to modify the home for increased accessibility per the client, city permitting when required, and carrying out the renovations turn-key. T-Square Company, CAPS #1636580, has over twenty-seven years of home accessibility experience. All registered CAPS program graduates and their remodeling company will be listed in a national registry in Washington. The information can be found by simply visiting nahb.org/CAPS.

Handicap Accessible Showers

Physical limitations affect many more people than the daily users of walkers and wheelchairs.  Many members of our life experienced or elder society have significant problems in dealing with their home environment. Today's conventional building standards conflict with most people's accessibility when you consider our created architectural barriers concerning cabinetry and door opening widths, individual strength, range of motion, movement, manual dexterity, balance, and coordination. Once the demands of our built environment exceed their capacities we become excluded from a room or even the entire home. The building world must work in unison to be sure the entire living environment meets basic needs in addition to affordability and structural integrity for the consumer and home owner. This includes both the home and the components within the home being accessible to all inhabitants. Privacy, sense of belonging, sense of control, and the sense of safety and security make up the quality of life for any home and should be considered for any design.

The Aging in Place market in the US today is constantly being influenced by the increasing size of the aging population, the market desire to remain in one's home, a constantly increasing cultural diversity, and our aging housing stock associated with it's reduced affordability. Our elderly population is really made up of two prominent age groups formed by the age 65 and over population and the baby boomers who were born between 1946 and 1965. Together these two groups own over 48% of all the US home inventory today. The desire to remain in one's home is driven by social attachments via a network of neighbors, friends, and family. Our cultural diversity assures that the same Aging in Place solutions cannot work across the board for all individuals just as an individual's ability to live independently varies from person to person. With constantly aging housing, costs can be a major barrier in home modification for many residents. A catch 22 situation can arise when you consider the reduced affordability of another home versus the one that is presently occupied. In this case the homeowner must use the equity that has accrued in their home's value in order to make the modifications required. You will find out in the long run that it's cheaper to remodel your existing home using your accrued assets than it is to buy a new home in today's market and move.

There are really three categories of Aging in Place customers. Those who are simply and wisely planning ahead for their futures to remain in their present homes. The second category concerns those people who know they have a chronic medical disorder and need to prepare in advance for accessibility issues which will come as a result of their disease. People with diseases that are constantly causing increased physical or mental changes to their being are a good representative of this second group. The third group involves those people who either have had a chronic problem that has  progressed severely altering their mobility or those who have sustained a life altering tragedy such as being involved in an accident. All of these groups will drive the future metamorphosis of existing inaccessible dwellings.

Some people confuse the terms Aging in Place with Universal Design. Both are a method to increase accessibility within the home but Aging in Place strictly deals with an existing home. Aging in Place also implies modifying any home for it's older occupants to insure that the inhabitants can safely remain in the home for as long as they possibly can. This time will expire once they need assisting medically trained help for safeguarding their personal safety in a nursing home or an assisted living environment. Universal Design is just that; offering choices to all of a home's residents no matter their age or physical capabilities. It begins with a design and then the construction begins. Items like wide-open rooms containing a sixty-inch by sixty-inch area for turning, unobstructed corridors at least 40-inches wide, adequate lighting throughout the home, having adaptable kitchen work areas, the use of contrasting colors in all rooms, a shower seat to increase safety, raised electrical outlets positioned at 18-inches above the floor, reinforced bathroom walls to allow for installing grab bars when required, easy-to-reach storage with greater organization, and non-slip flooring are major concerns within any elderly house design. However, the number one safety hazard to consider during an elderly home design is negotiating level changes within the home--steps at the entry, stairs between floors, and curbs to step over when entering the bath or shower. Eliminating level changes is very difficult in existing homes and almost impossible to do aesthetically and without major compromises, unless there is a major renovation. The result is that most homeowners decide to sell the house rather than make the modifications. When Universal Design is periodically incorporated into their design, homes can accommodate the needs of their owners longer as those needs evolve over time.

David L. Traut, CAPS owner of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, identifying him as a home remodeler and builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.

After over a year of writing to fulfill his customers' requests, David's new book, "Age in Place At Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations" , is available for purchase from Amazon. Please go to the link below to order his paperback book, which was released in late December, 2022. It provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home. Get your copy today.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2Z24ENUUAEWUK&K=13Y7YU7PKKYAC&M=urn:rtn:msg:20221010201802eb9acb7b24004a4785cd2ec1d4f0p0na&R=3R6MK9WDXJPH7&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BHTV28RV%3Fref_%3Dpe_3052080_276849420&H=7FWEPMGCH0TT8LN6SKPMUOCVJNYA&ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

David's book acts as a guidepost for perplexed homeowners and caretakers trying to determine their family's next immediate direction and imminent future. The first half of the book explains why homes have always been inaccessible, except on the day they were purchased. The second half takes you room by room through the home as I explain how applying the principles of Universal Design for Aging in Place makes the home comfortable and accessible for the largest number of people. 

For additional information about the CAPS program, visit nahb.org/CAPS. For more information about T-Square Company, visit www.tsquareco.com or call 512-444-0097.

The biggest and most important challenge for any homeowner wanting to increase home accessibility using Universal Design to Age in Place is qualifying a chosen builder or remodeler. Consumers must verify the tradesman or professional has both the experience and knowledge for understanding any requirements used to increase the client’s safety and accessibility within the home. This is the only variable a homeowner controls in the building process. You are about to give a complete stranger your trust in a very serious matter of which you most likely know little about beyond articles read on the internet or hearsay. All professionals selected must be knowledgeable and experienced concerning Universal Design projects. The relevant personnel having job input concerning the client consist of architects, designers, builders, remodelers, and any therapists or extended healthcare workers who are involved with any household occupant requiring home modifications. I have witnessed clients who are completely overwhelmed and frustrated when interviewing several groups of building professionals including subcontractors with overlapping scopes of work. They become confused by the large amount of information gathered. Be advised that too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil a successful job outcome. CAPS certified accessibility specialists are trained to be better capable of helping with both the design and construction phases of the project. Most CAPS members have had coursework in Universal Design. However, you would not choose a recent law graduate over an experienced defense attorney to represent you in a serious matter. Even though both people have law degrees, there is only one path to choose. The remodeling business is no exception. All CAPS certified professionals are not equal. Some come from different professional backgrounds other than construction while others have not used their acquired knowledge long enough to make a difference. Ask about their experience and how long they have practiced Aging in Place remodeling. A well-seasoned contractor has seen what issues frequently come up in making improvements for Aging in Place and knows which methods he or she has used to overcome certain problematic areas of the home.

The aging societal changes and inventory of inaccessible existing houses created the need for a CAPS certification program. This designation program, offered through the National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, in collaboration with The American Association of Retired Persons or AARP, incorporates components of assessment, technical knowledge and management skills related to home modifications used to help people stay at home safely and independently for a longer period of time. The program was developed in 2001. The CAPS program connects responsible professionals with home owners needing specialized accessibility services on an ever increasing basis. Ordinary homeowners with extraordinary challenges partner up with experienced CAPS professionals and their own families. Working as a team, the trained CAPS specialist along with any family caretakers or therapists is able to identify the day to day problems weighing on those with health limitations. Aging in Place services provided by a specialized remodeling contractor ensures all accessibility issues of the home are accomplished correctly. The CAPS credential is a nationwide initiative and many construction and design professionals are taking advantage of the helpful training across the nation. Always check his or her credentials to verify the remodeler holds an active CAPS certification and is familiar with Universal Design. All registered CAPS program graduates and remodeling companies are listed in a national registry in Washington DC. The information is found by calling 1-800-368-5242 or by simply visiting their website at: http:www.nahb.org/en/learn/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist.aspx.

Experienced CAPS certified remodelers have the knowledge, expertise and sensitivity to provide modifications for making a home safer, more accessible, and better suited to the client’s required needs. A professional CAPS certified builder or remodeler is able to correctly assess the costs associated with an accessible design and lead the homeowner in the right direction adhering to the available budget costs to accomplish the modifications needed. Home modifications, accessibility products, and barrier free design greatly promote the independence and functional ability of physically challenged and aging individuals. Designing around specific physical conditions for accessibility lessens the impact of arthritis, restricted mobility, or loss of vision by using combinations of products, concepts, and techniques available today. Keep in mind when hiring a Certified Aging in Place Specialist they offer a service rather than a product. Each CAPS member draws from a different knowledge base, and approaches each project in a distinct way.

T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, has been producing successful Aging in Place projects for over a decade. They are a CAPS certified remodeler and offering design/build Aging in Place projects using Universal Design features. Call 512-444-0097 to discuss your project today and learn how you can achieve better accessibility within your existing home.

Incidentally, David L. Traut, the President/owner of T-Square Company has recently published a book entitled "Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations". It is available on Amazon and stands as a reference book for increasing home accessibility incorporating essential Universal Design features.

After over a year of writing to fulfill my customers' requests, my new book, "Age in Place At Home," is finally available for purchase from Amazon.  Go to the link below to order my paperback book, which was released in late November, 2022. It provides a great guideline for using the principles of Universal Design in new home construction and/or remodeling for every room in your home. Get your copy today.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2Z24ENUUAEWUK&K=13Y7YU7PKKYAC&M=urn:rtn:msg:20221010201802eb9acb7b24004a4785cd2ec1d4f0p0na&R=3R6MK9WDXJPH7&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BHTV28RV%3Fref_%3Dpe_3052080_276849420&H=7FWEPMGCH0TT8LN6SKPMUOCVJNYA&ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

A home's adaptability is one of the most desired qualities within a person's home during some point in their life as their or their family's needs change. These specific needs to enhance accessibility can be short term while recovering from an accident or illness at any age, or  these home alterations may become permanent.  The special needs may concern an adult or a child. Universal design principles don't discriminate between any family members regardless of age, size, or ability. Every family member is included. Learn how to adapt your home environment to satisfy your family's needs in David Traut's new book, Age in Place at Home.

T-Square Company, in Austin, Texas, practices Universal Design accessibility to segue into Aging in Place seamlessly. The essence of my book is to advise people so they understand why our homes are obsolete to us, the homeowners, the minute they are completed.  This fact is represented by the methodology used to create the traditional home. They are built to satisfy our immediate lifestyle and physical needs on the day we close on the house, with no regard for the future. The new home lacks adaptability to satisfy our needs once our bodies change beyond the purchase date. If we had incorporated the Universal Design principles into these new homes, those same homes would adapt to our changing family needs including every inhabitant regardless of age, size, or ability. The lack of home adaptability is not the consumers fault, they have always been unaware of how to reference the problem and accepted what the housing market gave them. They were unaware of what to ask for. Hence, the status-quo of building has been perpetuated  for over a hundred years.

T-Square Company offers all types of Austin Universal Design home modifications to better prepare you and your family for your unforeseeable home accessibility future on a design/build basis. Existing, traditional homes must be modified to increase their accessibility using correct designs. Become aware and embrace the knowledge that the principles of Universal Design offer greater home accessibility for every one of your home members, from your father to your son. This is why the process is known as inclusive design. 

David L. Traut, CAPS, has been involved with accessibility for nearly thirty years for the VA, HUD,  and private residences.  Contact me at 512-444-0097 for a professional home assessment to guide your future accessibility needs or at www.tsquareco.com. Simply fill out your information on the contact us page.

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