www.waterlooregion.org/spc/trends/
"[Universal design] actually assumes the idea, that everybody has a disability and I feel strongly that that's the case. We all become disabled as we age and lose ability, whether we want to admit it or not.
It is negative in our society to say 'I am disabled' or 'I am old.' We tend to discount people who are less than what we popularly consider to be 'normal.' To be 'normal' is to be perfect, capable, competent, and independent. Unfortunately, designers in our society also mistakenly assume that everyone fits this definition of 'normal.' This just is not the case." [1]
This issue paper outlines the concept of universal design - principles "for creating a world we can all use." [2] Universal design is not just a disability issue but one that affects all of us and gives us all an equal opportunity to participate in a more caring community, regardless of our ability on any one day or at any one stage in our life.
Universal design, sometimes known as barrier-free building design, "is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost." [3] "Universal design recognizes that people have a range of capabilities and [they] need designs [of buildings and tools] to include this range." [4]
Universal design can benefit people of all ages and abilities, including:
Traditionally, most designs have been oriented to the "average" person who is able-bodied and at least moderately capable in most areas. Much of the accommodation for people with disabilities has been in the form of specialized designs intended to assist those with a particular limitation.
Barrier-free design is "predominantly a disability-focused movement" [5] and uses building codes, regulations and guidelines to achieve designs and features that are usable by people with disabilities. On the other hand, the idea of universal design "…grew out of recognition that, because most of the features needed by people with disabilities were useful to others, there was justification to make their inclusion common practice." [6]
It may be impossible to accommodate all people, all the time, but the ultimate objective is to consider as many people in as many situations as possible. Because of this, a number of leading advocates of universal design proposed seven principles to guide decision-makers as they seek to create communities that are as inclusive as possible. These seven principles of universal design [7] are:
"These principles may be applied in different ways, depending on the design discipline. For example, Simple, Intuitive Use in product design may mean controls that follow common patterns, like green for go and red for stop. In architecture, Simple, Intuitive Use may mean floor plans that enable a visitor to navigate without aid of a guide or map." [9]
In most cases, applying the principles of universal design entails changes that are quite small. It might mean lowering lights switches, raising electrical outlets, or using door handles instead of door knobs. It may include simply providing some adaptable or adjustable features like closet rods or kitchen counters that can be adjusted. In other cases, universal design might mean a more comprehensive re-evaluation of a building (i.e. housing or work), environment (i.e. public space, transportation system), tool (i.e. ATMs, scissors), or system of communication (i.e. books, websites).
There are numerous examples of local places that are making our community more accessible to all through the principles of universal design.
The Country Hills Community Centre in Kitchener, which was built in 1998, is an open and bright building. With features such as wheelchair accessible washrooms, family washrooms, automated entry doors and light switches, and coat racks and counters at different heights, it is an attractive place that everyone in the neighbourhood can enjoy. The community is currently raising money to build a universally accessible outdoor playspace to be built this summer.
The Woolwich Community Health Centre (built in 1991) offers accessible patient examination rooms for various types of medical practioners, a drug store, washrooms, and meeting rooms that are accessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers, crutches, or have mobility difficulties. It has some covered parking spaces to accommodate the horse and buggies of the local Mennonite population.
Victoria Park in Kitchener has an accessible playspace and hard-topped trails making it possible for many people to enjoy the majority of the park.
At Shamrock Co-operative Homes (1990) in Waterloo, almost one quarter of the units are wheelchair accessible and someone using a wheelchair, crutches, or with a stroller can easily get into the main floor of all other units and all common spaces. Appliance controls, counters, cupboards, and outlets have been adjusted to accommodate the needs of people using wheelchairs, walkers, children, or anyone with limited mobility. Outdoor raised garden boxes allow seniors, children, and people using wheelchairs to do gardening. The Co-op has worked with the nearby mall to install accessible doors and banking machines there.
Kitchener City Hall was built in 1993 and incorporates numerous universal design principles inconspicuously. All main public entryways and spaces are level or ramped, have automatic doors, and wide doors and hallways. Elevators have Braille, visual, and spoken indicators of floor levels and direction of travel. There are simple and clear signs (many have graphics) for washrooms, stairs, and telephones. Assistive Listening Devices are available. As well, the central staffed kiosk is useful for directions or information.
The Cambridge Kiwanis Village Non-profit Housing (1993) incorporates heritage elements in a multi-story apartment building where more than 20% of units are accessible for people with varying limitations. Over the years, three new units were renovated as needs and opportunities arose.
The Family YMCA of Cambridge (1996) was built so that people with varying levels of ability can use most of the facility. In addition to steps, one popular feature in the pool area is a ramp entry that is useful for small children, seniors, people with fear of the water, or people with mobility difficulties.
The Solé Restaurant and Wine Bar in Waterloo is a privately-owned heritage building that was beautifully restored in 1999. A host meets diners as they enter the largely accessible building and can offer appropriate help or direction.
There are, of course, many other examples around Waterloo Region with varying levels of accessibility. This paper focuses on physical accessibility but there may be additional issues of whether a place is accessible to all regardless of income, gender, or ethnicity. In some places, hurtful attitudes or restrictions may make a location inaccessible to some people.
There are also numerous examples of non-architectural items such as large print books or widely understandable signs or tools. The best examples, however, simply blend in and are not obvious universal design models because the projects are simply excellent designs that work well for a lot of people in our communities.
There are many ethical, practical, and economic reasons "for creating a world we can all use." [10]
Designing for everyone, without stigmatizing or excluding particular groups or individuals, is part of our ethical responsibility to create inclusive and caring communities.
In an environment where people with unique needs are not considered or accounted for, they are excluded and stigmatized as different or not "normal."
On the other hand, universal design allows everyone to participate and provides choices rather than limitations. Designs that include the needs of people who are often marginalized and excluded send the message that these people are, in fact, important members of the community.
Since 1981, the Ontario Human Rights Code has prohibited "handicap" as grounds of discrimination. The Human Rights Commission has recently stated that they will launch "an aggressive campaign to crack down on discrimination against the disabled." [11] Since 1985, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees people with disabilities equal protection and equal benefit of the law. The Ontario Building Code also regulates some standards to promote access.
Everyone can benefit from universally accessible places because we all have decreased ability at times.
In reality, there is no clear line between those who are, and those who are not, labeled as 'disabled'. Ability (or level of disability) exists on a continuum where some people have exceptionally high ability, others have mid-range ability, and some have very low ability. Additionally, a person who might have low ability in one area (i.e. mobility) might have exceptionally high ability in another (i.e. intelligence or seeing)
Not only is there no clear line between those who do or do not have a disability or limitation, but almost everyone tends to lose ability as they age or at various times during the normal course of their life. Most people, at some point, break a bone and need to use crutches or some other aid, care for a young child, carry heavy and awkward suitcases or groceries, or are simply preoccupied and not concentrating from a long day at work. The "average" person often has "non-average" needs or limitations.
In addition to supporting those who have permanent disabilities or limitations, universal design can make the transition to being older or having a temporary injury both easier and more economical, while offering the option of living independently.
The following list is certainly not exhaustive but it provides an idea of the extent that people could be assisted by "focus[ing] attention on those characteristics of design that most impact all users -- younger and older, larger and smaller, left- and right-handed, with and without disabilities." [12]
When some of these groups of people who could benefit from universally designed spaces are added together we realize that at any one point in time, a large portion of the population has some sort of identified permanent, long-term, medium term, or occasional limitation in some of their daily activities.
The rest of the population will at some point either have a temporary limitation such as a broken leg or other injury, or else have short term difficulties such as: carrying heavy luggage, awkward bags of groceries, or laundry; talking on a cell phone; holding onto an active child; be mentally deep in thought because of a work issue or personal problem; a sore arm from playing tennis; and any number of other things that might limit one's ability to lift, concentrate, see or focus, move, or reach.
In addition, almost everyone will develop longer-term limitations that may affect what they can do as they grow older - and will benefit from universally designed places.
Universal design will benefit a wide variety of people living in our communities.
Researchers have suggested that places that are more accessible are often safer because of elements shared with universal design, which may include increased lighting, more pedestrian traffic, and open spaces. "The Safe Cities approach [combines an awareness of social development and physical design] …to make the community safer for everyone, with a particular focus on vulnerable, and marginalized groups (e.g. women, children, elderly, visible minorities, physically and mentally challenged)." [17]
In addition to the previously mentioned moral benefits, universal design can often benefit the financial bottom line. In the majority of cases, universal design elements can be added to a product's design for little or no cost. However, in some situations, designing for everyone may include features that cost more than traditional designs.
Creating more accessible designs can increase the market for many consumer products. Designs that are more accessible to people with disabilities typically benefit able-bodied users as well by reducing fatigue, increasing speed and decreasing the number of errors made. Through deliberate and informed planning, universally designed features tend to require less strength, agility, mobility, coordination, cognition, and accuracy to accomplish the same task.
Not only can universal design increase the marketability of products to people without traditional limitations, it opens up the same market to a potentially large population of people with varying disabilities and limitations. It is obvious that if a person cannot find or maneuver within an establishment then that company has lost business. On the other hand, if a company can welcome customers regardless of their level of ability then that business will attract people who are normally excluded.
In a March 1997 poll by Omnitel [18], 77% of Canadians reported that they know or regularly interact with a family member, friend, or other person who has a disability. When going out with friends or family who have a disability these consumers would also be more likely to patronize accessible locations.
The traditional, piecemeal method of designing for each small and unique group with different and specific needs is often impractical because there is such a wide variety of different needs, and people's needs change day to day or as they age. On the other hand, universal design makes good business sense.
Additionally, traditional designs that limit people's ability to work, live, or function independently in their environment can increase costs for individual employers and the broader community by requiring special modifications and accommodation.
Designing for everybody in the first place can result in significant economic benefits because future retrofits and modifications can be quite costly. There is much benefit from 'doing it right the first time'.
In the short term, however, there may be some situations in which designing for everyone may cost more or may seem to constrain the design. In these cases, the rationale for using universal design is either that the short-term cost is worth the long-term return, that universal design reasonably increases the value of the design, or that there is an ethical bottom line rather than an economic one.
At the very least, it is important to consider if it is appropriate to make a certain design more accessible to more people by using the principles of universal design.
With careful and informed design, providing spaces that everyone can use can have a bottom financial line that is usually at least comparable to traditional designs.
Although there is undoubtedly a long way to go to ensure that Waterloo Region is a place that everyone can enjoy, people who advocate locally for universal and barrier-free design sense that Waterloo Region has become more accessible over the last few years. It was noted at the International Conference on Universal Design in June 2000 that, "The universal design movement is at the tipping point." [19]
Universal design should be of concern to everyone although it is especially important for architects, planners, engineers, project funders and decision-makers, advocates, and others.
It is critical to involve those who will be using the design from the beginning of the planning process, whether it is designing a website or a pamphlet, an office building or a house, a telephone or a countertop.
Specific funding for implementing universal design or barrier-free accessibility is often difficult to find or qualify for, disjointed, or only temporary. However, there may be limited funding or supports available. Contact Trillium Access Grants (phone 1-800-263-2887); Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities or other Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation assistance (phone 1-800-704-6488); Ontario March of Dimes (phone 1-877-369-4867); or contact the Independent Living Centre for information about current funding sources for private and non-profit initiatives.
Is accessibility consistent across Waterloo Region?
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the cities are significantly ahead of the rural townships in accessibility and accessibility services because the townships do not have a large enough population base. (i.e. it is difficult to advocate for rural parallel transit.)
Do the Federal or Provincial governments have strong accessibility regulations or guidelines to encourage universal design?
The United States has the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which provide strong minimum accessibility regulations and enforcement, among other purposes.
In May 1995, the Ontario Progressive Conservative government promised to enact an "Ontarians with Disabilities Act" within their first term in office. Six years later, an act has not been passed although there is clear public support for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act to be created. Waterloo Regional Council passed a resolution in September 2000 supporting Ontarians with Disabilities legislation.
Universal design is a powerful concept with both strong ethical and financial justification. "[It] requires an understanding and consideration of the broad range of human abilities throughout the lifespan. Creative application of that knowledge results in products, buildings, and facilities that are usable by most people regardless of their level of ability or disability. By incorporating the characteristics necessary for people with physical limitations into the design of common products and building spaces, we can make them easier and safer for everyone to use and more widely marketable and profitable." [20]
This issue paper was written by Dan Vandebelt with Trudy Beaulne, Dianne Boston-Nyp, Gloria DeSantis, Veronica MacDonald, Jim Hunsberger, Margaret Sanderson, and Paula Saunders. It is published and copyrighted by the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries and the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo. Quotations from this paper may be made provided that proper and complete citations are included.
This issue paper was conceived, researched, and produced in collaboration with a diverse group of concerned and accessibility-related organizations and individuals in Waterloo Region.
Funding for this project is provided by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
For more information about universal design or disability issues and local resources, help with individual difficulties, or peer support, please contact:
Independent Living Centre of Waterloo
Region
3400 King St E, Kitchener, N2A 4B2
519-894-8350
info@ilcwr.org
For more information about social policy issues and data, for a list of other issue papers in the Waterloo Region Trends Research Project, or other work of the Social Planning Councils in the Waterloo Region, contact either Social Planning Council:
Social Planning Council of
Cambridge and North Dumfries
24 Queen's Sq, Cambridge, N1S 1H6
519-623-1713
spccam@sentex.net
Social Planning Council of
Kitchener-Waterloo
68 Queen St, Kitchener, N2H 2H2
519-579-3800
spckw@waterlooregion.org