Specialist access consulting to the built environment.

Surfcoast Secondary College, Architect: dwp|sutersPhotography: Emma Cross

• Access Consultant

– Access for people with disabilities

• Universal Design (UD)

– Design for all

– Inclusive design

Schools, Access and UD

“We are all people but that is where the similarity stops.”

(Design for All Sverige 2008)

(Design for All Sverige 2008)(Design for All Sverige 2008)

(Design for All Sverige 2008)(Design for All Sverige 2008)

What is universal design?

• “Universal design is the process of creating products (devices, environments, systems and processes) which are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations” (environments, condition and circumstances)” (Vanderheiden 1996, p. 1).

• “Universal design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation” (Steinfeld & Maisel 2012, p. 29).

Universal Design

• Process not an end state

• Inclusive

• Easier, healthier, user-friendly

What - Universal Design

Principles of universal designPrinciples of UD

Equitable use Design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group.

Flexibility in design Accommodate a wide range of preferences and abilities.

Simple and intuitive use Easy to understand regardless of users experience, knowledge, language skill or current concentration level.

Perceptible information Communicates necessary information effectively regardless of ambient condition or users sensory abilities.

Tolerance for error Minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Low physical effort Design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Size and space Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach manipulation and use regardless of body size, posture or mobility.

Copyright © 1997 NCState University, The Center for Universal Design.

Body fit Accommodating a wide range of body sizes and abilities.

Comfort Keeping demands within desirable limits of body function.

Awareness Ensuring that critical information for use is easily perceived.

Understanding Making methods of operation and use intuitive, clear and unambiguous.

Wellness Contributing to health promotion, avoidance of disease and prevention of injury.

Social Integration Treating all groups with dignity and respect.

Personalisation Incorporating opportunities for choice and the expression of individual preferences.

Cultural appropriateness Respecting and reinforcing cultural values and the social and environmental context of any design project.

Goals of UD

Centre for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, 2009

Principles/Goals UD

• Size and space

• Body fit

Surfcoast Secondary College, Architect: dwp|sutersPhotography: Emma Cross

Principles/Goals UD

• Equitable use

• Social integration

Surfcoast Secondary College, Architect: dwp|suters Photography: Emma Cross

Principles/Goals UD

• Perceptible information

• Simple and intuitive

• Understanding

• Tolerance for error

• Health and wellness

, Architect: Perkins ArchitectsPhotography: Emma Cross

Why – Universal Design

• We are all different

– Aging population

• UN Convention on the Rights of People with a Disability

• Public Health

Policy environment

• UN Convention on the Rights of People with a Disability

• National Disability Strategy (2010-2020)

• SA - Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016

• Vic - Building Quality Standards Handbook 2016

UD Policy environment

• SA – Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act 2016

– Part 2, Division 1, 12-Objects of the Act

• (2)(d) promote high standards for the built environment through an emphasis on design quality in policies, processes and practices, including by providing for policies and principles that support or promote universal design for the benefit of people with differing needs and capabilities;

SA - Legislation

• SA – Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act 2016

– Part 2, Division 1, 14-Principles of good planning

• (c)(iv) built form and the public realm should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to people with differing needs and capabilities (including through the serious consideration of universal design practices);

SA - Legislation

• SA – Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act 2016

– Part 5, Division 2, 59-Design quality and policy

• (2) The design quality policy must include specific policies and principles with respect to the universal design of buildings and places to promote best practice in access and inclusion planning.

SA - Legislation

Policy environment

• Vic - Building Quality Standards Handbook 2016

“All principal consultants engaged by

the department for new school or

upgrade projects must have regard for

these seven principles”

UD Policy environment

• Education

• Consultation/Collaboration

• Evidence

How – Universal Design

• Sample – Consultation with users

– Wide range of users

• Techniques – Wide range of techniques

• Data– Evidence

Consultation

Techniques

Data Collection

Sample

Levels of consultation

Inform

Consult

InvolveCollaborate

Empower

IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum (Adapted)(International Association for Public Participation, 2014)

Summary

Surfcoast Secondary College, Architect: dwp|sutersPhotography: Emma Cross

• Centre for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access 2009, Goals of Universal Design, IDeA USA, retrieved 16/10/2016 <http://udeworld.com/goalsofud.html>

• Design for All Sverige 2008, The design for all concept, EIDD retrieved 20 May 2014 2014, <http://www.designforalla.se/templates/Page____895.aspx>.

• Design for All Sverige 2008, Liberate diversity, EIDD Sweden, retrieved 20 May 2015 2014, <http://www.designforalla.se/templates/Page____895.aspx>.

• International Association for Public Participation 2014, IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum, IAP2, , Retrieved 1 June 2014, <http://www.iap2.org.au/resources/iap2s-public-particiation-spectrum>

• The Center for Universal Design (1997). The Principles of Universal Design, Version 2.0. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University.

• Thank you to dwp|suters and Perkins Architects for the use of the photos.

References

cgrant@architectureandaccess.com.au1300 715 866

• Project Management• Occupational Health & Safety• Access Consulting