What Is Universal Design?

The process of imbedding choice for all people in the things we design.

choice involves flexibility, and multiple alternative means of use and/or interface
people includes the full range of people regardless of age, ability, sex, economic status, etc.
things include spaces, products, information systems and any other things that humans manipulate or create

Ron Mace, one of the original universal design movement leaders, defined universal design as: "Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."

How Can Universal Designers & Consultants Help You?

We are architects and design professionals who assist…

• business owners and companies in improving customer access and making their establishments compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or the Fair Housing Act;
• homeowners enhance the livability of their homes—making changes that will improve the safety and comfort of a home for years to come.

News

ADA Amendments Act Signed into Law
October 8, 2008

A bill detailing a broader definition of “disabilities” covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President Bush on Sept. 25, 2008. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2009, is in response to Supreme Court decisions that have narrowed the definition of disability, according to bill sponsor Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).

“The protections afforded under [the ADA] have been eroded and the result is that people with serious conditions like epilepsy or diabetes could be forced to choose between treating their conditions and forfeiting their protections under the law,” said Harkin, the chief author of the 1990 law. “That is not what Congress intended when we passed the law, and this bill is the right fix.”

Since the ADA became law in 1990, a series of court decisions have narrowed the category of who qualifies as an “individual with a disability.” According to the National Association of the Deaf, “By raising the threshold for an impairment to qualify as a disability, these court decisions have deprived individuals of the discrimination protections Congress intended to provide.”

The new law redefines “disability” in “favor of a broad coverage of individuals under this Act” and specifies that an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity doesn’t need to impact other major life activities in order to be considered a disability. It also states that an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active. It also notes that the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made regardless of the effects corrective measures such as medication, prosthetics or assistive devices.

The new law also covers people who experience discrimination based on a perception of impairment regardless of whether the individual experiences disability.

 

 

ADA Amendments Act passed by US Senate
September 16, 2008

On Sept. 11, 2008, the US Senate passed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 by unanimous consent. The proposed legislation responds to the Supreme Court decisions that have narrowed the definition of disability, according to bill sponsor Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).

“With today’s vote, we have restored the promise of the ADA which was signed into law 18 years ago,” said Harkin, the chief author of the original ADA. “The protections afforded under this historic law have been eroded and the result is that people with serious conditions like epilepsy or diabetes could be forced to choose between treating their conditions and forfeiting their protections under the law. That is not what Congress intended when we passed the law, and this bill is the right fix.”

The bill specifically overturns Supreme Court decisions that have reduced protections for people with disabilities who were intended to be covered under the orignal legislation, according to supporters of the proposed legislation.

The bill will need to be acted upon by the House of Representatives before being sent to the President.

Facilities Access Specialist Job Announcement
September 8, 2008

Facilities Access Specialist

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Facilities Planning and Management, is recruiting for a Program and Planning Analyst Advanced (working title Facilities Access Specialist) position located in the office of Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture.  Starting annual salary is between $45,088 and $74,398 based on experience and qualifications.

 

This position will coordinate the physical accessibility of facilities on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus, reviewing building and site plans for accessibility and code compliance, is a liaison between the university and the city, county and state agencies for accessibility and planning issues, and works on campus policy development related to facilities access.  This position requires a strong awareness of disabilities and disability-related issues and an understanding of the physical access needs and safety concerns of persons with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit life activities.

 

Extensive knowledge and ability to interpret and cite state and federal accessibility codes; ability to read and understand construction documents including architectural plans and specifications.  Knowledge of the governing ADA guidelines.  Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) with, and facilitate transfer of, information among architects, engineers, and members of groups who represent persons with disabilities.  Strong presentation skills and ability to organize and present material to a variety of audiences and constituencies. 

Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications (e.g. AutoCad for facilities design, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems constructively. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while being tactful and respectful when handling sensitive issues in a positive manner.

 

Well-qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in a facilities-related field (e.g. Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Urban and Regional Planning).

 

To view the complete description, go to:

http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/pd/pd_68542_09463.html

 

How to Apply:  Special application/examination materials can be downloaded from the following web site: 

http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/COB/PPA-ADV_0802395.htm

or to have them mailed, call or write to Jim Feldhausen, 608/262-2999; jfeldhausen@fpm.wisc.edu, FP&M Personnel, 1217 University Avenue, Madison  WI 53706.  Completed application/examination materials must be received in this office no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 30, 2008. 

Materials will be evaluated and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

 

UW Madison is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. This information was provided by the National Center on Accessibility.