isUD - Innovative Solutions for Universal Design

The IDeA Center modeled its efforts on the success of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Building Initiative (GBI), who have each developed successful standards (LEED and Green Globes, respectively). Both organizations provide services such as certification of buildings and accreditation of professionals to recognize competency in sustainable design practices. innovative solutions for Universal Design (isUD™) is designed to offer similar resources and services to support and recognize adopters of universal design.

isUD™ provides several benefits to adopters of universal design:

• A means to implement universal design solutions

• A branding opportunity for engaging in socially responsible activities

• Reduced liability in the operation of buildings by making environments more accessible, healthier, and safer

• Increased employee and visitor satisfaction that leads to increased productivity, repeat visits, and other benefits

• Proponents of universal design could use the program as a focus of public education programs to increase demand for universal design among consumers

The current set of solutions on this website focus on universal design of public and commercial buildings. In the future, solutions for housing, transportation, products, etc. will become available.

Universal Design

Universal design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). The IDeA Center developed the eight Goals of Universal Designto help link UD to research. The Goals are stated very concisely in terms of measurable outcomes.

• Body fit: Accommodate a wide a range of body sizes and abilities

• Comfort: Keep demands within desirable limits of body function

• Awareness: Ensure that critical information for use is perceived easily

• Understanding: Make methods of operation and use intuitive, clear, and unambiguous

• Wellness: Contribute to health promotion, avoidance of disease, and prevention of injury

• Social integration: Treat all groups with dignity and respect

• Personalization: Incorporate opportunities for choice and the expression of individual preferences

• Cultural Appropriateness: Respect and reinforce cultural values and the social and environmental context of any design project.

Acknowledgements

This website was developed with funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, 90RE5022-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.