This Work Group was established by the County Council to assess how the new legislation can best be implemented and administered, and what will be needed to accomplish that. This Work Group will also consider if any recommendations should be made to the County Council on ways to improve the legislation.

Universal design seeks to create homes that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. Using some universal design standards in new housing construction will help residents in Prince George’s stay in their homes longer as well as make it possible for people with mobility challenges to be able to visit with friends and family in their homes. 

An average person will likely benefit from living in a residence with universal design features at some point in their life, because disability can unexpectedly affect anyone, whether due to a chronic condition, temporary injury, or simply aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 10% of adults in the United States in the past year had a short-term disability that lasted less than six months. That is one more example of why living in a home with universal design features will benefit many people.