|
Universal DesignWhat is meant by universal design?
Why do we want universal design?Everybody should want universal design! UD features make today’s hectic lives easier…
· Achieving a universal design environment is a long-standing critical issue for individuals with disabilities. It is an issue that crosses disability, social, cultural, economic, age and gender differences.
· The lack of accessibility to facilities and services impacts the daily life of individuals with disabilities including factors such as education, training, housing and employment.
What are the benefits of universal design?
· Implementation of universal designs by local and senior governments will improve the accessibility of Government properties for all Saskatchewan citizens.
· Universal design will improve the quality of life for all citizens and particularly for individuals with disabilities.
· Individuals with disabilities will be able to better access employment, housing, education and training opportunities.
Give us an example of universal design in Regina?
· The South Saskatchewan Independent living Center (SSILC) sponsored the development of a 32 unit apartment complex using Universal Design principles.
· The building and apartments incorporate a range of universal design characteristics. For example, the building entrance, security doors and elevator are accessible hands-free. Doors have lever handles, which decrease the amount of force required to open a door and increase the surface are, which makes a door easier to open when your hands are full, are in a hurry or have a dexterity disability. The elevator has an audible <beep> at each floor so someone with a visual disability can get to their desired floor. Kitchen and bathrooms are ergonomically designed to accommodate the needs of someone who uses a wheelchair or a standing individual. The units have open concepts.
What is the role of the community in universal design planning?
· The basic principle is to talk to the people who are going to use the facility or building. Ask them for input and what their needs are.
· Local community expertise on universal design should be used to plan for accessibility.
· The community of individuals with disabilities recognizes that a universal design environment is not achieved overnight. A universal design environment is achievable when the relevant stakeholders have an opening and transparent partnership and consultation process.
We Thank Our Sponsors For Helping Make This Dream A Reality! |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Copyright 2005 IDEA Regina | All rights reserved - Designed & Hosted by |