Paula Sotnik, DirectorInstitute for Community Inclusion,

University of Massachusetts Boston888-491-0326 (toll-free voice and TTY)

617-287-4343 (direct line)paula.sotnik@umb.edu

www.serviceandinclusion.org

Inclusive Spaces and Universal Design

C2: Mission-Driven Workspace Design2013 Building Opportunities

What in world is Universal Design?

Clearing the ramp benefits EVERYONE!

For recipients or beneficiaries of federal funds, an accessible environment represents the minimum legal requirement so a person with a disability can use the environment.

Example: Entrance to a building

At the very least, our legal requirements…

Accessible:

An accessible entrance meets the minimum requirements of the law. However, there is-•One entrance for people who can use this door.

•Another, accessible entrance for people who cannot use this door.

Universally Designed products and environments are to be made usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.-Center for Universal Design at NC State

Outcome = seamless use of the environment by all people, regardless of diversity or disability - a culture that is welcoming to all participants.

Universally Designed:

• Equal access to an environment, product, or tool by most people.

What Does Universal Design Look Like?

• Curb cuts• Closed-captioned television• Accessible restrooms• Adjustable desks•Lever door handles•Auditory crosswalks, elevators•Motion sensor door openers•International symbols

• Inclusive statement

• Photos/pictures depict diversity

• Printed materials in at least 16pt font

• Flash drives to make materials available in electronic format

• International symbols

• Tables low enough to allow equal access

1. Identity: Support positive self image and social status for the end users 2. Social integration: Support effective participation by all and reduce barriers between user groups 3. Cultural compatibility: Ensure that differences in cultural values and attitudes are respected 4. Awareness: Make information needed for safe and effective use readily available in all necessary forms 5. Understanding: Ensure that the methods of operation and use are easily understood by all users6. Comfort. Ensure that the physical demands for safe and effective use are within the comfort range of the widest range of people 7. Body fit: Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities

• Provides the same means for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.

• Avoids segregating or stigmatizing any users.

• Makes provisions for privacy, security, and safety and makes them equally available to all users.

• Makes the design appealing to all users.

• Reduces the need to ask for specific accommodations.

1. Identity: Support positive self image and social status for the end users

Canon Universal Design

Kyosei … business organization should be concerned for the many stakeholders with whom it comes into contact.

http://www.canon.com/about/ud/index.html

On Inclusive Meetings and Conferences

• Is integrated accessible seating (chairs removed) available in all event spaces? • Is there sufficient space between tables for maneuverability? • Is access and accommodation information widely disseminated to all

participants? • If external activities are planned, is accessible transportation arranged? • Consider using CART – benefits everyone!

http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access

• See http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access for more info

Scent free space benefits EVERYONE!

Photo, Text and Braille Office Signs

The Room Behind This Door Is A Strobe Free Space

2. Social Integration: Support effective participation by all and reduce barriers between user groups

Is integrated accessible seating (chairs removed) in all meeting and event spaces?

3. Cultural Compatibility: Ensure that differences in cultural values and attitudes are respected • learn about and celebrate cultures and significant events• value diversity through office design• learn communication modes

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cross-cultural_differences.html

4. Awareness: Make information needed for safe and effective use readily available in all necessary forms

• auditory crosswalks and elevators• auditory emergency messages and strobe lights

Design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

using bright stripes on edge of steps

averts costly mistakes

Perceptible Information

IKEA Assembly Instructions

6. Comfort. Ensure that the physical demands for safe and effective use are within the comfort range of the widest range of people

Low physical effort

7. Body Fit: Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities

Sufficient space between furniture, tables, etc. for maneuverability in spaces

Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities

2. Which principle(s) of universal design best describe(s) this image of controls for a running treadmill?A. Flexibility in UseB. Tolerance for ErrorC. Simple and Intuitive UseD. Perceptible InformationE. All of the above

Universal Design Quiz

Universal Design Quiz3. ‘Captchas’ are an online security measure used to

control spam. While you must enter the displayed information correctly, the refresh, audio, and question options best reflect which principles?

COMMIT!An organizational commitment to planning an inclusive

space often begins with a statement or policy.

An accessibility policy shows that your organization welcomes everyone and has planned ahead in an attempt

to meet the needs of all participants who may work, visit or attend a meeting or event.

THANK YOU For Your Participation!

What Can Your Organization Do?1. Tomorrow?

2. Next Week?

3. Next Month?

4. In a Year?

Additional ResourcesNational Service Inclusion Project handouts and resources on Universal Design: http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/ttt/node/243

Planning Accessible and Inclusive Conferences and Eventshttp://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access

Culture Brokering: Developing Capacity to Increase Cultural Competency and Improve Communicationhttp://www.serviceandinclusion.org/culturebrokering/

LiveAbility Project by Kansas State and North Carolina State University in Second Life: http://www.extension.org/pages/22208/the-liveability-house

Paula Sotnik

Directed 12 federal and state grants supporting individuals with disabilities, including traditionally underrepresented groups, in their communities. Current focus is on capacity building and strategic planning with volunteer, national and community service programs and nonprofits to enhance culturally responsive systems that fully include all aspects of diversity, including individuals with disabilities. Currently examining how national service can serve as a path to reintegration for Wounded Warriors and Veterans with disabilities

Nationally known expertise on assessing and coordinating access and reasonable accommodation details to ensure inclusive and accessible conferences, events and meetings of all sizes. Recognized expert, trainer and author on culture brokering; outreach and recruitment strategies; team and partnership development; measurable outcome oriented strategic planning; national service, volunteerism and disability legislation, policy and practice acquired through years of personal, educational and professional life experiences.

Institute for Community Inclusionpaula.sotnik@umb.edu617-590-6409

www.serviceandinclusion.org/culturebrokering/www.serviceandinclusion.orghttp://cirrie.buffalo.edu/culture/monographs/cb.phpctedhttp://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access