If you conduct a search on Universal Design under photos and discussions, there are tons of information and images.

I just bought a one story house and am moving out of my house with stairs where I have lived for 42 years. I am redoing the kitchen to have all drawers in the base cabinets which are more accessible for me. The tough part about moving is leaving behind long-term friends and neighbors. We still have email, though and I am already making new friends.

Universal Design and Handicap Access

I have been interested in Universal Design for some time, now. I have collected some of the ideas that I have posted and that others have posted on Design Dilemmas such as yours.

Please take from this whatever is helpful. Best wishes.

Houzz
1.) Go to Houzz Ideabooks and enter "Universal Design" in the search box.
2.) Go to Houzz.com/Handicap-accessible
3.) Go to Houzz Design Dilemma and enter "handicapped" in the search box

Universal Design
1.) www.universaldesignstyle.com
2.) www.schaefferconstruction.com specializes in Universal Design

Handicap Access
1.) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site has specific measurements for wheelchair turning radius, placement of grab bars, everything.
www.ada.gov/adastd94.pdf
www.ada.gov/

2.) ADA Ramps : ADA Code 4.8
[Thanks to Houzz contributor S. Thomas Kutch for finding this.]

Bathrooms
1.) For decorative grab bars that do not look institutional, look at www.faucets.efaucets.com
[Thanks to Houzz contributor Sense of Space for link]

2.) Commercial Bathroom Handicap Guidelines
www.eHow.com# ixzz2Og8QNIff
www.houselogic.com#ixzz2OgAPANpb

3.) Here are some Houzz Ideabooks about Universal Design in bathrooms:
741559 The No-Threshold Shower: Accessibility with Style
1562246 Houzzers Say: Dream Features for the Bath and Closet
1061289 Bathroom Safety Features that Support Your Style
2504909 Doorless Showers Open a World of Possibilities
4492518 How to Design and Accessible Shower
2507115 Houzz Tour: Universal Design in a San Francisco Home
5008400 Make a Powder Room Accessible with Universal Design

Kitchens
1.) America's National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
2.) www.starcraftcustombuilders.com for Guidelines for rules for accessibility in kitchens and baths
3.) National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Enter "Universal Design" in the search box.
4.) www.ergonomics.about.com/od/kitchen/qt/Galley_design.htm

Consult an Occupational Therapist.

Just remember, just because it meets "ADA" rules does not mean that it is truly Wheelchair accessible. How many times have you tried to use a public restroom with the little blue sign only to discover the 'baby changer' stuck in there. Then there are the stalls that don't allow you to get out of your wheelchair once you close the door, yep it meets ADA. You DO NOT have to use the ADA specifics if you are remodeling your own home.