Universal Design Principles and The Built Environment Jean Salzer Accessibility Resources Center (formerly Student Accessibility Center)

Physical Environment Committee Charter: (2) Functions. Makes recommendations for the development of the physical environment of the University campus’ and off-campus facilities, including built- to-suit leased facilities consistent with the mission and with the present and future academic programs of the University. O a) Recommends a master plan for the development of the campus reflecting priorities in accordance with guidelines established by the committee. O b) Recommends the location of new buildings, their inter- relationships and aesthetics and their functional and architectural features. O c) Recommends remodeling needs and identifies desirable or undesirable features relevant to future construction. O d) Recommends parking and transportation policies. O e) Recommends appropriate names for buildings pursuant to established guidelines.

Sorry, there is no list Universal Design is: “the design of of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”* O It represents an ideal, and recognizes that nothing can be made fully usable by every person. O The design process of Universal Design indicates the process is proactive, not reactive. O There are seven principles developed by architects, environmental designers and engineers. *(Ronald Mace, Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University)

The Seven Principles 1. Equitable Use 2. Flexibility in Use 3. Simple and Intuitive in Use 4. Perceptible Information 5. Tolerance for Error 6. Low Physical Effort 7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Examples of Universal Design (UD) O Ramps O Curb Cuts O Adjustable Height Tables O Speaker Phones O Motion-detector Faucets O Voice recognition Software O Automatic Door openers O Built-in Text-to-Speech Software

The UD Process 1. Identify the application 2. Define the universe 3. Involve consumers 4. Adopt guidelines or standards 5. Apply guidelines or standards 6. Plan for accommodations 7. Train and support 8. Evaluate ( As identified by Sheryl Burgstahler, DO-IT Director, University of Washington)

The Built Environment O A building that has a ramp next to stairs is considered accessible design O A building that has no stairs and a sloping entrance everyone uses is universal design O The difference between accessible design and universal design is that with UD there are no ‘special’ or ‘separate’ facilities, all can use the same facilities O “The main function of a campus built environment is to provide a place where all can learn, work and live successfully” (Burgstahler, 2007)

Strategies O Planning, policies and evaluation: consider diversity issues as you plan and evaluate the space O Appearance: design the space to foster campus climate that is inclusive of all O Entrances, routes of travel: make physical access welcoming and accessible to people with a variety of ages, abilities and sizes O Fixtures, furniture: provide fixtures and furniture that can be used by all employees, students and visitors

More Strategies O Information resources, technology: ensure that information and technology is accessible to everyone O Safety: design the space to minimize the risk of injury O Accommodation: develop a system to address accommodation request for individuals who are not automatically provided access Strategies taken from Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice, ed. Burgstahler, 2008

A universally designed classroom begins with questions O What is its purpose? O Who will be using the room? O How can we incorporate active learning for all students? O What should seating look like and how should we expect people and seating to move? O What kinds of technology do we want made available to instructors and students?

RESOURCES O North Carolina State’s Center for Universal Design – expansive resource list: O Edutopia – Universal Design in the Classroom: Do it Once, Do it Right: O R2D2 Center website, Roger Smith, OT faculty: