Grab bars, wheelchair-compatible counters, barrier-free showers, and other universal design details should be as elegant as they are useful. Product manufacturers and designers have caught on, and are showing how to combine comfort and style, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Accessibility aids don’t need to, and shouldn’t look cumbersome, institutional or like an afterthought. Homes designed for accessibility will be increasingly in demand, and popular additions include a shallow ramp to the entry deck, a roll-in shower, and a hallway handrail that can do double-duty as a picture rail. Optional hand-held remotes allow for control of lights and fans without reaching up–something that would be difficult or impossible in a wheelchair.
From Builder Online