THE UNIVERSAL DESIGN COALITION (UDC) advocates Universal Design concepts and use in the Sun Coast area and beyond.
A primary focus has been to develop presentations, which are part of communication and education programs centered on identifying Universal Design initiatives that help to implement new Living Environment practices.
Our Aging in Place Modifications & Remodeling initiatives incorporate features of Universal Design such as accessibility, comfort, convenience, safety, and visitability.
Universal Design (UD) is the concept of designing **products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.** (See Principles of Universal Design listing below).
It emerged from barrier-free design concepts and the broader accessibility movement. The goal is to maximize usability regardless of a person’s age, size, ability, or disability, making it a fundamental condition of good design, as it benefits everyone.
Principles of Universal Design
The core principles, developed by a working group led by architect Ronald Mace, guide the design of environments, products, and communications:
1. **Equitable Use:** The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. **Flexibility in Use:** The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities (e.g., right- or left-handed use).
3. **Simple and Intuitive Use:** Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience or concentration level.
4. **Perceptible Information:** The design communicates necessary information effectively, regardless of the user’s sensory abilities (e.g., using pictorial, verbal, and tactile methods).
5. **Tolerance for Error:** The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. **Low Physical Effort:** The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue (e.g., lever door handles).
7. **Size and Space for Approach and Use:** Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility (e.g., adequate room for a wheelchair).
Click Here for Center for Universal Design Chart.
CONTACT:
Elena Vizvary, MS, OTR/L
Chair, Universal Design Coalition
udc.suncoast@gmail.com
(941) 724-1287
For more information about the UNIVERSAL DESIGN COALITION, feel free to use any of the navigation bars below.
We also encourage you to contact us to schedule a discussion or appointment with a Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant about this or any of our other related Services.
