Universal Design: A Pet Cat?

Parents of young children sometimes find themselves facing the pet cat question. They never had a cat, they never wanted a cat, but now their child is begging for one. In private, the parents discuss the pros and cons. Well, the cat needs to be fed, taken to the vet and the litter box has to be cleaned. We’ll have to think about relatives who are allergic to cats and we’ll have some added planning for the cat when we take vacations. On the other hand, the cat will make our child so happy and perhaps offer valuable lessons about caring and compassion.

The pet cat discussion is a little like universal design. You didn’t really plan on it but a new reality has it showing up as something to discuss. There are pro’s and cons of course. It adds another layer to planning and building, there is an added cost even though it’s small and you might have a hard time getting others to agree. On the other hand, universal design will make our society better and perhaps offer valuable lessons about caring and compassion.



Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
August 31, 2009
Universal Design Resource
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Universal Design: Euthanasia

Today’s partisan politics is like a bad marriage. The couple no longer communicates; instead, they undermine each other’s intentions by using any opposing position, even when it doesn’t support their own agenda.

President Obama wants to improve our health care system. He doesn’t have a perfect solution – it’s a work in progress. But, he knows it needs to change because the future of health care, if left at its present course, will be massive failure. Those opposing him are suggesting anything negative that could undermine his intentions and tear apart any chance at success. The easiest undermining technique is fear. The fear being injected into his efforts, pardon the pun, is euthanasia.

We know that Obama never suggested euthanasia as a part of his health care plan, but could it become inevitable? Societies in the past have, at times, included euthanasia. What drove them to adopting that practice? Economics. How does our USA economics look? Ahem.

Switching focus for a moment to our own lives: To varying degrees, we either move toward a desired result or avoid an unwanted one. When we plan well and execute well (pardon the pun, again), we have what we want to have. When we don’t plan or don’t follow-thru, we find ourselves having to make unwanted and tough decisions – the ole’ between a rock and a hard place. This is true for our own lives and it’s true for the bodies that govern our country. Euthanasia could be that unwanted decision down the road if there isn’t better planning now.

Including universal design into the design of our cities, homes and products is a good plan. It means more people will be able to function independently; they can and will support themselves. However, if we continue to build in ways that marginalize huge segments of our population, we will, in effect, be building an economic burden of gigantic proportions. We will have to care for and support those people who might otherwise be operating independently. Euthanasia won’t be a philosophical, spiritual or moral debate, it will be an economic one. Pause. Let that sink in.

The opposition to Obama’s health plan might be throwing euthanasia around rather loosely for a little fear mongering. Your reaction is somewhere between being scared and saying it could never happen. Well, it could. So, if universal design isn’t compelling you into action, let a little fear do the job. Obama didn’t say euthanasia, but somebody did.


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
August 27, 2009
Universal Design Resource
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Universal Design: Gadgetmania!

Ages ago, the only gadget was a pair of specs. When not used, they hung neatly from one’s neck. If I hung today’s gadgets from my neck, I’d soon be crippled.

Gadgets start with the cell phone. Next would be the TV clicker. But given today’s level of remote controls, I’d soon need something like Batman’s utility belt: remote temperature controls, automatic door openers, shade controls, garage openers, flashlights, cordless phones, MP3 players, GPS, medical alerts, electronic diabetic monitors, alarm systems, clickers for all the TV viewing and audio devices, Bluetooth headsets, flash drives, cameras, and your eye glasses (or shades). Oh … don’t forget the chargers that go with the gadgets!

So what can one do to simplify all the gadgets that were made to simplify your life? Here are a few tips:

• Have “homes” for the gadgets. These are places you keep the gadget when not in use. You grab it, use it and put it back when done. This is especially helpful for families where many members use the same gadget.
• Have ample space for gadgets in places where you need them. For example, at your bed stand have a large surface for all the gadgets and possibly a drawer. If you have other places in your home that are regular spots, perhaps the kitchen or a favorite TV chair, have a table and drawer nearby for the gadgets.
• Gadgets need juice. Consider having a charging area for all your gadgets in one area. When you buy a new gadget, use a paint pen or magic marker and label the charger with the item it charges (I know you have that shoebox full of chargers you never throw away but that you have no clue what they pair up with).
  

Bring a little routine and order to your gadgeted life and get the enjoyment they were meant to provide!



Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
August 15, 2009
Universal Design Resource
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