Universal Design Principles
Have you ever tried to get a stroller or cart into a building that did not have a ramp? Or open a door with you hands full? Or read something that has white print on a yellow background, or is printed too small to read without a magnifying glass? Have you ever listened to a speech given without a microphone? All of these challenges have one thing in common—accessibility (or lack thereof). If we can’t enter, see, or hear a service, we really can not benefit from what it has to offer.
“Universal design” means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. “Universal design” shall not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.
In an effort to increase accessibility to structures, architects have developed the term called "universal design." In simple terms universal design means design for everyone. The idea behind universal design is to consider access of structures from their initial development (rather than retrofitting later), so that they become accessible to all people—including those with disabilities. By considering all users, then designing structures to be accessible to all, we improve our chances of people benefiting from the services within.
Click on any of the following links to download more information on disability:
Politically correct terminology
Hints for interaction
Do's and don'ts
Policy and legislation
Disability and incontance
Relationships and sexuality
Woman with disabilities forum
The impact of hearing loss
Raising awareness
Accessibility
Visit the following links for more information on disability:
www.disabledtravel.co.za - For travellers on wheelchairs and special needs
http://thespongeproject.yolasite.com/ - sms information service for disabled people in S.A
