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About this page...
Universal Design means design for people of all ages and abilities. With that in
mind, this site has been designed for use by visitors with differing visual
abilities who may prefer text-only to graphic format. Further information
about accessibility in web site design is available through the
Trace Center for Research and Development.
History
Universal Design means design
for people of all ages and abilities. Architect Ron Mace coined the term in
the early 1980's, as architectural requirements began to illustrate how access
for people with disabilities usually meant better access for everyone. Since
then, other design professions have begun to apply the idea to their own fields.
Universal Design is important
to everyone who lives long enough to experience the natural changes in
ability that come with aging or the functional effects of illness or accidents,
whether temporary or permanent.
IDSA's Universal Design Special
Interest Section got its start with the 9-member Universal Design Committee
in 1993. Membership has grown steadily since, and now there are over 600 members,
including elders, future elders, people with disabilities, and people who are
"temporarily able-bodied".
Mission of the Universal Design Section
This Section promotes those aspects of design that consider the
needs of all possible users equally, regardless of age or
ability. Environmental, cultural, racial, and gender issues are
sometimes linked with the term Universal Design, and are indeed
important considerations, though not the specific focus of this
section.
We acknowledge that total Universal Design is an unachievable
goal, yet one well worth striving for, since every individual
who lives long enough benefits from Universal Design.
We describe our mission as working toward Universal Design by:
- Increasing member's awareness of why and how to apply the
concept of Universal Design in professional practice
- Including consideration of people of all ages and abilities
in the policies, activities, and programs of IDSA
- Stimulating inclusion of Universal Design in design
education
- Increasing public awareness of the role of design in
meeting the needs of elders and people with disabilities
Comments? E-mail reply address: jim@jlmueller.com
Last Updated October, 2007
1999 Mueller Design