Universal Design is the concept of usability for everyone rather than specialty design for accessibility. Hence it is often called inclusive design. The concepts attempt to design functions that are equally easy to use for the elderly, people with disabilities and average people. Building, products, and environments can all benefit from the use of universal design instead of duplicate accessible and non-accessible designs.
A person’s abilities change through life. Advanced age brings reduced abilities in various areas. Accidents or illness can bring a sudden change in abilities. Universal Design focuses on creating environments that will continue to be functional even when a person’s abilities change. The result will be allowing more people to remain in their home, work, and social environment throughout their lives.
[otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”The Center for Excellence in Universal Design (Ireland)” opened=”closed”] http://universaldesign.ie/The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) was established by the Irish National Disability Authority (NDA) in January 2007 under the Disability Act 2005.
The principle of universal access drives the Centre’s development and maintenance of its a Universal Design knowledge base.
- CEUD contributes to the development and promotion of standards, public awareness, and understanding of Universal Design.
- Ensures the principles and application of Universal Design are included in examinations recognized by professional bodies.
- And encourage compliance with national, European and international Universal Design standards bodies.
The Center for Universal Design, CUD, is part of the College of Design at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. A national information, technical assistance, and research center. CUD evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Our mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance.
The Center develops publications and instructional materials and provides information, referrals and technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals nationwide and internationally.
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http://idea.ap.buffalo.edu/
The IDeA Center at the University at Buffalo responds to the needs of an increasingly diverse population by making environments and products more usable, safer and healthier.
The IDeA Center bases our activities on the philosophy of Inclusive Design, often called “Universal Design” or “Design for All.” The Center’s Practices; research, architectural design, product development, information technology resources, organizational development activities, services, dissemination and educational activities, seek to produce ID knowledge and tools. In summary, our goal is to increase social participation of groups like people with disabilities and the older generation.
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http://www.universaldesign.com
John Salmen, founder and President of Universal Designers & Consultants, Inc., entrusted the future of UniversalDesign.com to the IDeA Center in 2015. The internationally recognized IDeA Center is a center of excellence in the field of universal design (UD). The IDeA Center set our goal of improving the design of environments and products at our 1984 founding. Making our more usable, safe, and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities, throughout their life spans.
The IDeA Center recently developed a new look for the site and to emphasize new content. We continuously add relevant articles, links, and information. Our hope is that UniversalDesign.com is a central portal to all things UD.
The IDeA Center is very interested in your feedback. What do you think the new UniversalDesign.com should look like and/or contain.? Please contact us at (info@universaldesign.com) with ideas and suggestions.
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