What comes immediately to mind is universal traffic signals. For example, crosswalks have the hand signifying it is not safe to cross, and a figure in motion to indicate when it is safe. I have always thought also of the "deer crossing" sign; this is a Universal Design tool that even children can understand.
Diane,
Those are good examples. Like anything, though, you need to sometimes establish alternatives for a good idea when the disability is other-than-expected. A PPT presentation that works very well for a student with ADHD may be problematic for a student who is blind unless he/she has some way to access the key points included on the slide while the lecture is ongoing. If you are reading those points as you go along, no problem. If you are just using them behind you to summarize, you need to think about how a blind student will be able to follow.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
My campus is lucky to be part of an established mall setting which incorporates many Universal Design elements into our building. We have escalators and automatic door openers for our students. PowerPoint is a great tool for students who have problems with listening for key information. My students with ADHD prefer PowerPoint lectures.
William,
That's a great example. There are lots of things that we all use every day -- without thinking about them -- that are really a function of good Universal Design. Even the remote control on the TV is a form of UD. Don't know if you are old enough to remember when one had to get up off the couch to walk over and change the channel? Everything from TV remotes, to environmental controls for turning lights on and off, to setting alarms, and even programming the VCR can now be done at the touch of a button -- by anyone (including those with disabilities!).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Every day when I come to school, I use the automated door. I am normally carrying a load of books. Due to the nature of the door, it grants the same ease of access to anyone, regardless of mobility.
Marsha,
Great examples here -- especially the audible traffic lights (which most folks don't think about as a form of universal design), and the iPad. And you are right -- all of the IOS devices (iPad, iPod, iPhone) are equipped with built in accessibility technology. Check out the Voiceover app, under "accessibility" in your Settings. What will they think of next? GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Having the ability to share information/photos/messages by accessing one device, which was developed with UD in mind = the ipad. I love reaching the corner of a busy intersection and hearing the 'beeps' that tell someone who is blind that the light is green, or orange, or red. Sometimes I close my eyes and pretend that those beeps are the only way I know when it is safe for me to cross the street. These beeps allow everyone to access the intersection at a safe time.They work in conjunction with the 'hand sign displays'.
Verdell,
You are right. It can be as easy as an updated computer system (with accessible features) that allows someone with a disability full access to the SAME virtual world that others can now reach.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Those are some great responses. An updated computer is a great way to accomedate a person with a disability.
Darrell,
I think you may have missed the point. Universal design isn't about something being AVAILABLE to all -- it is about something being USABLE by all. Video isn't usable by someone who is deaf unless some alternative (like captioning) gives access to the sound track. It is likely that much of the video is also unavailable to someone who is blind unless there are appropriate accommodations (such as audio description) provided.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think video is a great media. We are surronded by it and are visually tuned to accept media as a open source for all to understand a gleen concepts from this form of communication and design since it can be found on ipods,MACs,Touch PC,TV. etc.
Elizabeth,
That's great. The best solutions are always those that are built in and require no specific special arrangements.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Being a massage therapist the business where I work has one room that is larger than the others to accomadate those in wheelchairs.
Tequila,
Wow! You've identified a lot of product design elements that make things more usable to a broader population -- and that is what it is all about!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Susan,
Great examples! Years ago, I was on a bus tour through Greece and saw a red, octagonal sign with the word "Stop" (in English). I asked WHY, and was told "that is the Universal sign for "stop!" Way ahead of their time!!!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
1. The sliding doors at Walmart, everyone benefits whether there is a disability or not.
2. The TV screens in the doctors office that announce the next person verbally and written.
3. Voice commands on cell phones, great no hands use (like when I'm driving)
4. The little power symbal (circle with the line)on electronics, the USB symbal, the touch screen computers so that you don't have to type.
5. The cross walk signals (the red hand that says stop and the green person walking)
6. Green and red phones on cell phones that indicate answering and hanging up
7. Motion activated sinks, toilets, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers in restrooms
My most used Universal Designs are the icons on my smart phone, an example of which is icon for a calculator that just shows +-x+ signs, icon that shows an envelope meaning access to my email inbox, etc. In the same way that road safety has good examples of UDs such as red signs that tell the driver that he is approaching a stop sign, pedestrian crossing signs, hospital signs, etc.
Ceola,
Excellent! Yes, real-time captioning has made a huge difference in access for individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. It is another example of how technology, by changing our world and adding to our capabilities, has changed the things we used to consider as impossible into possibilities. And THAT is why we shouldn't make assumptions about what a person with a disability will or won't b able to do in the world of work, now and in the future.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Being a Real-Time writer and Court Stenographer
it's always a pleasure to assist anyone in need of captioning services. The services provide closed captioning in the class room. This service can be done by remote as well, so a hearing impared student can receive this service
without the stenographer being in the class room by using the "Go to Meeting " program. It's wonderful UD example.
Don,
Yeah... smart phones are a great example of universal design. They operate with icons and they tend to use consistent images that make them largely intuitive. Now if I could only learn to harness all of the possibilities that the phone offers, I'd be in business. Last time I wanted to download a new app, I had to make my daughter do it for me. That's 'cause I am old, not because it was complicated!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
