Universal Design: Destination or Journey - Part II

In May 2008, I wrote the following:

“One day, there will be the ultimate universal design handbook. It will have well conceived answers to every design quandary, each achieved cost effectively and with elegance. No. That would be as if universal design was a destination, a place we arrive at where solutions were the intention of its creation. This notion that a checklist can be created pervades the present consciousness of legislators and building inspectors alike. We will have measures by which we can recognize the effectiveness of our solutions, however, what brings us closer is when universal design is understood as a journey.”

Well, the path on that journey has a hic-up. Builders want help. They are beginning to get that universal design will make a difference and they want to include it. They want specifications. But, the best they got right now is a few principles, ADA code, and some local building codes. They want and need more. Here’s an example from my forthcoming book about universal design.

In it, I write about flooring. To shinny means extra slippery when wet. It means more work to keep that nice shine. It means glare from reflected light. And, it means seeing the underside of furniture and into ceiling light fixtures. I suggest matte finished floors. Less slippery, less frequent cleaning, no glare, and no undersides. Makes sense? Of course! But the builder wants to know exactly where in that spectrum between shinny and matte is the dividing line that says everything over here is to shinny and everything over here is matte. He wants to ask the floor manufacturer if the floor he wants to use is to shinny or matte enough. There are no universal design spec’s to make this exchange possible.

Can universal design remain an open and evolving discussion constantly improving without becoming rigid and bogged down by bureaucracy? It’s a fine line, and it’s time to try it out. I hear Commissioner Matthew Sapolin at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities in New York City is putting the finishing touches on such a guideline. I applaud his work and look forward to the results. His success is a step toward a universal design world that is simultaneously evolving and improving, and is also guided by distinct specifications.


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
October 29, 2009
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Universal Design: A White House Disability Agenda

"We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities." -- Barack Obama, April 11, 2008

Below are key points from a White House disability progress report:

1) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a number of provisions of particular concern to people with disabilities.
--- The Act included $500 million to help the Social Security Administration reduce its backlog in processing disability applications.
--- The Act supplied $12.2 billion in funding to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
--- The Act also provided $87 billion to states to bolster their Medicaid programs during the downturn; and,
--- The Act provided over $500 million in funding for vocational rehabilitation services to help with job training, education and placement.

2) The President signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first piece of comprehensive legislation aimed at improving the lives of Americans living with paralysis. The Stem Cell Executive Order, March 9, 2009: (read the remarks) (read the executive order)

3) Strengthen Access to and Improving the Quality of Health Care President Obama has placed comprehensive health reform at the top of his domestic policy agenda. This means providing all Americans with stable and reliable access to quality and affordable health care. He will work with Congress to build on what works—including strengthening Medicaid and Medicare, programs that are of particular importance to people with disabilities.

4) Promote Access to Community Living Services Too many people who need assistance with activities of every day life are faced with a difficult choice. They can move into a nursing home and face safety and quality of care problems or risk injury or death by staying in the community without adequate services to take care of personal needs. The President believes that more can be done to encourage states to shift more of their services away from institutions and into the community, which is both cost effective and humane.

5) Protect Civil Rights The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark law that has done much to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. However, President Obama will push for more consistent and effective enforcement of ADA, which can do more to prevent discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations and telecommunications.

6) Expand Educational Opportunities President Obama supports educational opportunities for people with disabilities and will expand funding for programs like the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) that ensure all Americans have access to the tools to succeed.

7) Increase Access to Employment President Obama is committed to expanding access to employment by having the federal government lead by example in hiring people with disabilities; enforcing existing laws; providing technical assistance and information on accommodations for people with disabilities; removing barriers to work; and increasing employment opportunities for people receiving public benefits.


My own comments? PHEW! The historical trajectory shows that disability rights are the access point for a wider discussion on universal design to come in the future as our population faces the first impacts of an aging society. The dialogue, shut down by Obama's predecessor, is once again open. Did I say, phew!


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
May 21, 2009
Universal Design Resource
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