Universal Design Hits Home
Can you think of products/systems you use every day that are good examples of Universal Design? Explain which principle(s) of Universal Design is exemplified in your example.
Touch (light) lamps, no Switches (no hands fingers)
Flat Electrical Switches (no hands fingers, no pressure)
Moving sidewalk or escalator, (mobility)
Automatic, inferred door/gate openings.
Your cell phone could be considered a product of UD since it offers both ring tones and vibration alerts as well as audio and visual conversion. The ring tones can provide access to those with visual disabilities and the vibration function can provide access to those with hearing disabilities. The traditional telephones only offered access to those who could hear, for both knowing when someone is calling but also for being able to carry on a conversation (hearing the individual on the other end). Today's cell phones give individuals with hearing disabilities the access to carry on a telephone conversation via converting spoken words into text! Great UD!
I regularly use the cuts in sidewalks while biking and the ramp on the building to access my office. Classroom examples would include wider doors and/or lower desks to accomodate wheelchairs.
Autonomic door openers. Opens doors for everone with minimal efforts.
Closed captions. Can see material, don't have to be able to hear.
Sign language during lectures, church services, etc. Again individuals can get information without needing to be able to hear.
Ramps are easier to traverse than stairs.
As an older adult with decreased ability to read without reading glasses, I would greatly appreciate LARGER print on medication labels, menus, etc.
Smooth, ground level entrances without stairs
Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant
Wide interior doors (3'0"), hallways, and alcoves
Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs
Single-hand operation with closed fist for operable components including fire alarm pull stations
Components that do not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches
Buttons and other controls that can be distinguished by touch
Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
Use of meaningful icons with text labels
Clear lines of sight to reduce dependence on sound
Volume controls on auditory output
Speed controls on auditory output
Choice of language on speech output
Closed captioning on television networks
Signs with light-on-dark visual contrast
Instruction that presents material both orally and visually
Labels on equipment control buttons that is large print
Both automatic flushing toilets, and automatic touch free sinks are examples of Universal Design. The principle that applies to these products are low physical effort. Both individuals with disabilities and non-disabilities can benefit from using these products.
automatic doors, handles in bathrooms, larger bathtubs with door access and larger public stalls
There are a few examples of UD I use fairly regularly. On many occasions I use automatic door openers when I'm carrying several bags on to campus. All of the restrooms on our campus are accessible as well. I believe the automatic door openers would fall under the "Low Physical Effort," of "Simple and Intuitive" principle. Our accessible restrooms would be an example of either "Flexibility in use" and "Size and space for approach and use."
I sometimes watch TV with closed captioning when I am waiting in an office. I also have seen many multi-media presentations in classrooms. Both of these are related to the principle of "perceptible information." I am sure those in wheelchairs need lowered tables which accommodate their wheelchairs. This is part of the principle of "adequate size and space for use." Universal Design benefits everyone in the classroom.
Ramps, curb cuts and long handle doors are things I use daily as it relates to universal design. I did not realize that these things were a product of universal design; especially the visual aids such as restroom signs. I use each of these every day.
Examples of UD in classrooms would be, caption used when showing video, having a lower table for wheelchair users and adequate space for wheelchair mobility.
In the classroom there would need to be a table for a student in a wheelchair to sit at, as well as a place in the classroom for him/her to sit where he/she can see the board.
Wide door access for wheelchairs, tables or desks to accommodate height of a wheelchair.
Marie,
Yes, good examples. Can you think of any specific examples that can be used in classroom instruction?
Sarah Smoger
B,
Great examples. Think more about instruction in the classroom...
Sarah Smoger
Automatic doors, lever door handles, curbs with ramps. The examples help people with physical disabilities to more easily access the building, rooms, and parking. Additionally, extra wide parking spots are provided for disabled persons and expecting mothers.
Self opening doors. They are designed with the intent of making facility access easier. This would include sixe and space, physical effort, simplicity and flexibility. - Beth
