Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access

Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Center for Inclusive Design &

Environmental Access

Making environments and products more usable, safer and healthier in response to

the needs of an increasingly diverse population.


IDeA Center Overview

Founded in 1984

Multi-disciplinary research center: Architects,

planners, behavioral scientists, occupational

therapists, industrial engineers

Starting 3rd RERC cycle on Universal Design

In 3rd year of first RERC on Accessible Public

Transportation


Inclusive Design Definition

Inclusive design makes life easier, healthier and

friendlier for a diverse population.


IDeA Center Mission

The IDeA Center practices inclusive design through

research, development, service, dissemination, and

educational activities.

The primary goal of the Center is to produce

knowledge and tools that will increase social

participation of groups such as people with

disabilities and the older generation, who have been

marginalized by traditional design practices.


Core Staff

Dr. Edward Steinfeld, AIA - Architect

Anthropometry and full scale modeling

Housing and product design

Accessible transportation

Design for aging and disability


Core Staff

Dr. Victor Paquet – Human Factors and

Ergonomics Researcher

Prototype Anthropometric Database of Wheelchair

Users

Effects of products and environments on user

kinematics

Occupational safety and health

Usability evaluation tool


Core Staff

Dr. James Lenker – Industrial Engineer,

Occupational Therapist

Effectiveness of assistive technology devices and

environmental interventions for people with disabilities

Human factors

Usability testing of consumer products, including

assistive technology devices

Occupational ergonomics


Core Staff

Danise Levine, AIA, M. Arch. – Architect

Model Homes

Home Modifications

Technical Assistance

Housing and product design

Design for aging and disability


Core Staff

Jordana Maisel, MUP – Urban Planner

Outreach and policy studies

Visitability

Evidence based guidelines for universal design

Continuing education


Core Staff

Heamchand Subryan, M. Arch, MFA – Design

Research Associate

Interactive technology development

Smart home technologies

Graphic and website design

Development of exhibitions, displays and products


Core Staff

Beth Tauke, MA, MFA – Associate Professor of

Architecture

Graphic and media design

Universal Design Education

Universal Design Identity Program


Core Staff

Jonathan White, M. Arch. – Architectural Research

and Design Associate

Co-Author of Inclusive Housing: A Pattern Book

Home Modifications

Housing design


Core Staff

Clive D’Souza – PhD. Candidate, Industrial and

Systems Engineering

Prototype Anthropometric Database

Human factors

Three-dimensional data visualization

Virtual reality applications and software development


Core Staff -- Consultant

Dr. Sue Weidemann – Applied Behavioral

Psychologist

Effectiveness of universal design in practice

Evidence based guidelines for universal design

Buildings in use


Core Staff -- Consultant

Dr. Korydon Smith – Architect

Regional and cultural differences

Inclusive design education

Design standards and practices


Our Primary Activities

Basic and applied research

University education programs

Professional education

Technical Services

Development of buildings, products,

communications, publications, and social initiatives


IDeA Center Current Projects

RERC – Universal Design in the Built Environment

RERC – Accessible Public Transportation

Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility

Global Universal Design Commission

Home Modifications

ADA Consulting

Model Home Design Program

Post Occupancy Evaluations

Universal Design Education

Continuing Education

Product Development

Dissemination / Publications


RERC - UD

2010-2015

The only federally sponsored research and

development center in this field

A partnership between the IDeA Center, the

Ontario Rehabilitation Technology Consortium

(ORTC), and representatives from the design and

disability communities

Activities guided by “evidence-based practice”


RERC - UD

Research Activities

R1: Improving Home Modifications for Aging in Place

R2: Improving Universal Design Standards for Public Buildings

R3: Improving Rights-of-Way Using Universal Design

Development Activities

DV1: Standards for Universal Design

DV2: Product Development for Knowledge Transfer

Training Activities

Advanced Graduate and Professional Education in Universal Design, University Education Consortium, Design Partnerships

Dissemination Activities

Scientific and Trade Publications, Electronic Media, Outreach and Conference Program


RERC - APT

2008-2013

A partnership between Carnegie Mellon

University’s Robotics Institute and IDeA Center

Utilizing elements of enabling technology and

principles of universal design to address high

priority transportation needs of people with

disabilities


RERC - APT

Research Activities

R1 – Empowering the User to Improve the Travel Chain

R2 – Human Factors of Boarding and Disembarking

Vehicles

Development Activities

DV1 – Open Information System Tools

DV2 – Improved Vehicle Interiors – An Industry

Partnership Project

Training Activities

Fellowship Program, Online Education, Student R&D

Experience

Dissemination Activities

Online Information Clearinghouse, Conferences and

Symposia, Standards and Regulations


Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility

Evaluate existing accessibility standards

Provide evidence-base for revision of accessibility

standards

Develop performance-based design tools

In both graphic and interactive forms

Gauge physical accessibility for mobility device

users

Encourage design beyond the minimum standards

Apply to the environment (buildings, streets, and

transportation)


GUDC

Purpose: To develop and promote the

understanding and use of Universal Design through

consensus-based voluntary standards.

Not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation.

Collaboration with: Gilberti Stinziano Heintz & Smith, PC.

Burton Blatt Institute

Committee Members


GUDC

A voluntary consensus standards development

process to provide an objective system of

measurement to evaluate UD adoption:

Promotes the adoption and use of newly developed

UD standards across environments;

Educates designers, developers, lenders,

governments, and end users of the benefits of

application of UD standards;

Measures, through a ratings system, the level of

adoption;

Certifies buildings that meet UD standards;

Conducts training, offer technical assistance.


Home Modifications

Provide design and consulting services

Over 500 projects completed

Approximately 50 small-scale home modifications

per year


ADA Consulting

1 major U.S. city

3 local school districts

3 national retail chains

University of Rochester

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

NYC Public Housing Authority


Model Home Design Program

Technical assistance and design expertise to

build universally designed buildings

New model home and public building

demonstrations in various parts of the U.S.

Coordinated with local architects and building

owners

Data on costs, perceptions, and UD challenges

and successes

Currently four projects underway and three

completed


Post Occupancy Evaluation

Validate the claimed benefits of UD

Evaluate examples of UD in public buildings and

spaces

Lighthouse International – New York City

Fast food restaurants – upstate New York

Public streetscapes and hotels – Las Vegas,

Nevada

Online surveys


UD Education

Bridging the Gap (HBCU)

To increase awareness and knowledge for the next generation of architects about design for a pluralistic population including those often underrepresented like people who have disabilities, health conditions, low incomes, older people and children.

UD Education Online (www.udeducation.org)

To support educators and students in their teaching and study of universal design.

UD Education Consortium

Develop new academic leaders, promote UD as a component of university general education as well as design education, program of mentoring, technical assistance, and information sharing.


Online Continuing Education

The IDeA Center Continuing Education program is designed for advocates, builders/contractors, planners, architects, occupational and physical therapists, and policymakers interested in learning about the universal design of places, products, and systems with a particular focus on the implications of a life span design perspective.

The online program on UB Learns consists of 2 core courses, 2 human factors courses, and several electives.

All courses run to-date have offered AIA CEU credit.


Product Development

Industry Partnerships Proctor & Gamble: UD Standards development

Touch Graphics: Touch models for orientation

CreateAbility Concepts: Tools for wayfinding and

improved appliance controls

New American Homes: LIFEHouse

Wounded Warriors Foundation: UD housing

Engineered Plastics: Tactile warnings

Gillig: Demonstration bus

American Seating: Improved seating and

securement systems on buses

Lift U: Improvements to transit ramp systems

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tidoNsfx2A


Product Highlight

Interactive Talk and Touching Model Collaboration between Touch Graphics Inc. and

the RERC on Universal Design in the Built Environment.

Model allows an immersive wayfinding experience through audio, visual, and tactile feedback.

3-D map is painted with special conductive paint to create sensitized zones. Touches are detected by embedded electrodes connected to a multichannel sensor.

Currently installed and running at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, the Carroll Center for the Blind, the Chicago Lighthouse International, and the Perkins Center for the Blind.


Product Development – In-House

Universal Bathroom

Universal Kitchen Cabinets

Emergency Shelter for Displaced People

Next Gen Bus Shelter

Fall Detection Device (ORTC)

Reading Device for Low Vision (ORTC)

Cold Weather Clothing (ORTC)

Citizen Participation Software (RI)

Transportation Route Information (RI)

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Public Transportation (www.rercapt.org, www.tiramisutransit.com)

Product Highlight

Tiramisu-- Community Driven Transit Information

Project of the RERC on Accessible Public Transportation

Data crowdsourced:

Riders report on bus location and fullness

Real-time arrival predictions using machine learning

Minimal infrastructure

Support feedback from riders about experiences

Transparency, prioritization, and report tracking

Problems, positives, suggestions

An example of how universal design principles can help transit riders of all abilities share and get the information they need


Dissemination / Publications

Inclusive Housing: A Pattern Book

Published in 2010 by W.W. Norton & Co.

State of the Science in Universal Design E-Book

Published online in 2010 by Bentham Sciences Ltd.

Design Resources

Published in 2010 online by IDeA Center

Universal Design Textbook

Forthcoming to be published by Wiley & Sons


Research Capabilities

Demographic and policy analysis

Online surveys

Usability testing

Products in use in real world settings

Full scale simulation

Ergonomic analysis


Development Support Capabilities

Design tools

Usability rating scale

Demonstration buildings

Design prototyping

Focus groups

Branding


Partnerships

University at Buffalo

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon

Concrete Change

Burton Blatt Institute

United Spinal Association

Easter Seals Project Action

AARP

Wounded Warriors Foundation

Village of Williamsville


Funding

Current Funding NIDRR U.S. Access Board (just completed) NEA OMRDD People, Inc. Aspire Attorneys Online Course Revenue Private Clients

Past Funding HUD NYCHA City of New York Heartland Homes


Impact of IDeA Center -- General

Established a university research and

development model

Participated in the development of the Seven

Principles of Universal Design

Helped to define the concept of Universal Design

Developed an international UD identity program for

Universal Design


Impact of IDeA Center -- Research

Helped to shape existing U.S. codes, and continue

to provide evidence base for code revision

Proved the benefits of Universal Design through

systematic research

Established international research partnership on

winter climate issues


Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access School of Architecture & Planning

State University of New York at Buffalo

114 Diefendorf Hall| 3435 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14214 – 3087

+1 (716) 829.5902

+1 (716) 829.3861

[email protected]

http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea

http://www.udeworld.com

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Date post:	28-Nov-2014
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