Inclusive Spaces and Universal Design
C2: Mission-Driven Workspace Design
2013 Building Opportunities
Paula Sotnik, Director
Institute for Community Inclusion,
University of Massachusetts Boston
888-491-0326 (toll-free voice and TTY)
617-287-4343 (direct line)
paula.sotnik@umb.edu
www.serviceandinclusion.org
What in world is
Universal Design?
Clearing the ramp benefits EVERYONE!
At the very least, our legal requirements…
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
Accessible
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.
Universally
Designed
-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.
Accessible
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 users
6. 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
1. Identity: Support positive self image
and social status for the end users
• 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.
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
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_guid
e/crosscuttings/crosscultural_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
Universal Design Quiz
2. Which principle(s) of universal design best
describe(s) this image of controls for a running
treadmill?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Flexibility in Use
Tolerance for Error
Simple and Intuitive Use
Perceptible Information
All of the above
Universal Design Quiz
3. ‘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 Resources
National Service Inclusion Project handouts and resources on Universal
Design:
http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/ttt/node/243
Planning Accessible and Inclusive Conferences and Events
http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access
Culture Brokering: Developing Capacity to Increase Cultural Competency
and Improve Communication
http://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 Inclusion
paula.sotnik@umb.edu
617-590-6409
www.serviceandinclusion.org/culturebrokering/
www.serviceandinclusion.org
http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/culture/monographs/cb.phpcted
http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?
page=access