Universal Design

Universal Design (UD) is defined as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (The Center for Universal Design, University of North Carolina 1997). This concept implies that people with disabilities should be able to  use  universally designed devices or environments successfully without any modifications. People without disabilities should also be able to access these devices or environments normally, without being affected by the accessibility design options. Universal design concepts can also benefit people without disabilities. For example, someone pushing a grocery cart can benefit from an automatic door opener at a grocery store in the same way someone in a wheelchair can. UD concepts are not limited to physical barriers. They also consist of utilizing a variety of sounds, colors, texture, and other stimuli that help make signage and devices accessible to people with sensory impairments. The following are some UD examples found in everyday life and how they benefit people with disabilities :

• Large Door Handles – These handles provide a larger area to grip or rest a hand against and thus are easier to operate for people with fine motor disabilities that prevent grasping small objects (standard door knobs). They also make it easier for people carrying things to open doors by allowing them to simply lean on the large handle to open the door.
• Curb Cuts – These allow people who use wheelchairs to cross a street without the difficulty and danger of going over a curb. They can also benefit people without disabilities riding bikes or pushing strollers when crossing the street.
• Alternative Text in Web Images – This text, which typically is not seen unless the mouse dwells on the picture, provides a detailed description of each picture on a web page. This text is recognized by screen readers and used to describe these pictures to people with visual impairments.
• Closed-Caption Videos  – Closed-caption text provides text descriptions of dialogue on videos for people with hearing impairments.
• Automatic Door Openers – These door options allow people who use wheelchairs to independently open doors to access public buildings such as malls, courts, movie theaters, restaurants, etc. They can also help people without disabilities who may be pushing strollers or shopping carts open a door easier.
• Signage with Symbols, Braille, and Different Contrasts - Adding symbols or Braille to to signage indicating rooms, elevators, restrooms, etc. helps people with visual impairments or learning disabilities to determine where they are going. Printing signage in white lettering on black background can also make signage easier to read for someone with a visual impairment. Public buildings commonly use these guidelines for descriptive signage.
• Audio Components to Displays - Adding an audio component to automated systems makes them accessible to people with severe visual impairments by allowing them to hear menu options when they cannot see them. Many ATM machines have incorporated this technology, which can also benefit people without visual impairments when the display is difficult to see based on sun or light reflection.
• Strobe Light and Audio Components to Alarm Systems - When alarm systems are installed in buildings, they no longer just provide a noise to signal an emergency situation. They now also include a strobe light to alert people with hearing impairments to the emergency situation. The strobe light does not effect people without disabilities, but it provides access to the alarm system to people with hearing disabilities.

Back - Next