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IDSA
Universal Design Special Interest Section
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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.
2008 Universal Design Competition Announced
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