IDeA Universal Design E-World Online Training Course - Practicing Universal Design (03/08/2019 - 04/05/2019)

Date/Time: Start Date: March 8, 2019 | End Date: April 5, 2019

Location: Online Course

Description: This course provides background material to understand disability demographics and, specifically, the aging of post-industrialized societies. A closer look at demography demonstrates how the field can support universal design practice, and assist in the identification of emerging end user trends and important design issues. Furthermore, this course explores the emergence of universal design practices in a range of professions. Universal design is presented as an example of innovation. The process and mechanisms of innovation diffusion are studied in relation to universal design, and strategies for increasing the adoption of universal design are examined.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to…

1. Explain why a focus on only people with disabilities limits universal design, and give examples of other groups that benefit from universal design.

2. Identify and critique myths associated with the aging population using demographic data.

3. Describe and discuss the stages of Rogers’s concept of innovation diffusion and its relationship to strategies for adoption of universal design.

4. Discuss how demographic data on universal design beneficiaries should influence the design of the built environment.

Syllabus

For information on student responsibilities, grading, and credits, see the course syllabus.

Registration Information

• Dates/Times: Students will be responsible for completing 15 hours of work during a 4-week window (March 8 – April 5, 2019). There are no required sign in times; however, there are established due dates by which work must be completed.

• Textbook: Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments (Sold separately at: Wiley | Amazon)

• CEUs: U.S. Architects will receive 15 HSW CEUs.