Universal Design: What and Why

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As we progress through life, our daily routines will change.  Right now, my daily routine dominantly involves school-related activities, such as going to class, studying, and commuting to and from school. In a few years, I am anticipating daily life changes with graduation and growing or diminishing relational developments with those around me.  One aspect of my life that will not change drastically is communication.  Ways of communication have and will continue to change with the development of new technology.  However, everyday,  I still communicate with someone in person or through some form of technology.  Communication and interaction with others is essential to being an active member of society.  I would like to think of myself as thankful for being raised in a world where I have access to many means of communication in order to interact with friends, family, professors, doctors, and anyone else I might need to make contact with.    However, these means of communication may not be compatible with a specific disability.  And this is why the subject of universal design is so important.
Ron Mace, a professor at The Center for Universal Design in North Carolina, defines universal design as "the design of products and environment to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."  An example of a universal design is the automatic sliding door, allowing anyone, despite their disability, an easy way to enter or exit a building.   Universal design can unite those with seemingly impossible barriers in their way.  It puts all humans on the same playing field, just with different instruments to play the game and therefore come to the same outcome.  Universal design helps those think of disabilities as an opportunity for growth instead of as an impairment.  As humans, we have one life, and everyone should have the ability to live their best life.  This can be achieved through universal design.

Comments

  1. HPMarch 22, 2018 at 9:59 AM

    I love the way you discuss universal design putting "all humans on the same playing field." I couldn't agree more that accessibility in all areas, from communication to entering a building, is a necessity in supporting individuals with a disability to engage in every day activities with confidence and growth (rather than feeling held back or impaired). Thank you for sharing!

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  2. AmandaMarch 22, 2018 at 10:01 AM

    I agree that having a disability should not be considered an impairment. I think that universal design has created a much more adaptable environment for people with disabilities, and has made it easier for people with disabilities to succeed. I really enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing!

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