Universal design is a conceptual framework for designing and developing inclusive environments. It stems from the attitude that environments are disabling to individuals and that they could be designed in ways that are usable by a majority of people with a variety of personal differences. Universal design reframes the concept of accessibility from “special features for a few” to “good design for many”.
|
Medical Model |
Sociopolitical Model |
|---|---|
|
Disability is a deficiency or abnormality |
Disability is a difference |
|
Being disabled is negative |
Being disabled, in itself, is neutral |
|
Disability resides in the individual |
Disability derives from interaction between individual and society |
| The remedy for disability-related problems is cure or normalization of the individual | The remedy for disability-related problems is a change in the interaction between the individual and society |
| The agent of remedy is the professional who affects the arrangements between the individual and society | The agent of remedy can be the individual, an advocate, or anyone who affects the arrangements between the individual and society |
|
Accommodation Approach |
Universal Design Approach |
|---|---|
|
Access is a problem for the individual and should be addressed by that person and the disability service program |
Access issues stem from an inaccessible, poorly designed environments and should be addressed by the designer |
|
Access is achieved through accommodations and/or retrofitting existing requirements |
The system/environment is designed, to the greatest extent possible, to be usable by all |
| Access is retroactive | Access is proactive |
| Access is often provided in a separate location or through special treatment | Access is inclusive |
| Access must be reconsidered each time a new individual uses the system, i.e. is consumable | Access, as part of the environmental design, is sustainable |
Facilitator:
Carol Funckes