Best Practices in Universal DesignBetty Dion, ICTA Global, Canada Marnie Peters, Betty Dion Enterprises Ltd., Canada Claudia Sanchez, ICTA Latin America, Colombia Where do you start if you want to design an accessible facility that does not only meet code requirements but truly incorporates the best design practices? Of course, you start with mandatory codes and standards and best practices that you have come across, but what if you want to incorporate the best of universal design practices from around the world? What if you want to learn from and take advantage of the innovative design practices in universal design from Japan, Norway, Australia, or even China? What if you are working on an international development project and you want to know where to begin when rebuilding a community? In 1999, Agriculture Canada commissioned two Canadian firms, experts in universal design to undertake the research for a comparative study of accessibility criteria from around the world entitled International Best Practices Document in Universal Design. The team set about exploring International networks and building liaisons and partnerships with universal design professionals around the world. In addition, they were charged with developing a document that included products that best illustrated universal design principles, including their price and availability. The study was well-received and was distributed to over 40 countries around the world. As that study is now out of date, a new consortium of sponsors are working together to prepare new research comparing accessibility standards from around the world. This vastly expanded research includes both developing countries, those undergoing rebuilding and countries in the developed world. Rehabilitation International and its commission, ICTA (The International Commission on Technology and Accessibility) are participating with a number of Canadian government departments to fund to this important study. This collaborative presentation will be presented by the Vice Chair of ICTA Global, the former Chair of ICTA Global and the Chair of ICTA Latin America. The Vice Chair of ICTAGlobal will present the background, process, methodology and will provide an overview of the process involved in researching and obtaining accessibility standards from around the world. The other two presenters will describe the collaborative networking process of the Expert Panel that reviewed the technical specifications as well as the outcomes. Innovative thought-provoking technical specifications, examples of best practices in universal design will be presented for discussion. Technical illustrations of the best of innovative design from around the world will be presented using photos, drawings, and illustrations. Topics will include such issues as the use of color and texture as wayfinding cues and the use of various detectable warning surfaces. Other topics will include the design of stairs, ramps and turning radius requirements to accommodate a variety of mobility of devices. The discussion will be thought-provoking, stimulating and will introduce creative design solutions. Examples will also include such issues as the safe evacuation of all building occupants. Areas where are the greatest inconsistencies demand some attention and will stimulate some interesting discussion. The presenters are from three different continents and have international experience in both the research, application and design of universal design. All three presenters have their own firms specializing in universal design (two are architects) and each bring a unique perspective to the issue of universal design. |