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Approaches to Accessibility: understanding universal design
As indicated in Article 2 of the CRPD, the use of universal design is intended to ensure
access “by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation
or specialized design .” Universal design is especially important in situations where it is
difficult to predict exactly what each individual user’s accessibility needs will be. When
creating a new product, service, or program or when constructing a building, sports arena,
or park, following universal design principles can ensure access by as many potential
users as possible .
These principles include:
• equitable use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities;
• flexibility in use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences
and abilities;
• simple and intuitive: The use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the
user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level;
• Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary information effectively
to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities;
• Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences
of accidental or unintended actions;
• low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with a
minimum of fatigue; and
• size and space for approach and use: The appropriate size and space is provided
for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture,
or mobility . 1
eXeRcise 2.2: what does it mean to enjoy Accessibility?
objective: To understand what it means to enjoy accessibility
Time: 30 minutes
materials: Chart paper and markers or blackboard and chalk
Paper and pens
1. brainstorm/imagine:
Ask participants to brainstorm some typical life activities that most people in your community
do (e .g ., going shopping, going to work, going to school, talking to friends, taking public
transportation, eating in a restaurant, attending a religious service, attending a cultural or sports
event) . List these .
Next ask them to name some typical people with disabilities, including people with physical,
sensory, learning, intellectual, psycho-social, and multiple disabilities . As suggestions are given,
ask each participant to write them down on a separate slip of paper using the format “You are
…” and adding more description including an imagined sex and age for the suggested person
(e .g ., “You are a middle-aged man who uses a wheelchair”; “You are a twenty-year-old woman
1 “Principles of Universal Design” . 2007 . The Center for Universal Design.
http://www .design .ncsu .edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciples .htm
40 humAn RighTs. yes! AcTion And AdvocAcy on The RighTs of PeRsons wiTh disAbiliTies