design elements - San Jacinto Texas Historic District

Universal Design
Defi nition
Universal Design involves an approach
to the design and engineering of the built
environment that seeks to remove as
many barriers as possible for people with
disabilities. Individuals are often prevented
or discouraged from accessing public
spaces because of visual, mobility, hearing,
and learning impairments. The thoughtful
application of measures to improve
accessibility can remove these barriers.
Not all individuals with a visual impairment
are completely blind. In the United States,
nearly half have limited vision. Most of these
people have some memory of how the urban
environment is constructed since 96% of
visually impaired people in the United States
developed their disability during adulthood.
The Typhlo cane is the primary means by
which visually-impaired people navigate
the urban environment. Using the cane,
individuals can locate the edges of walks and
identify tactile warning strips that warn them
of hazardous areas.
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Many of the people with a mobility
impairment are elderly. These individuals
require frequent places to sit, smooth surfaces
to walk on, and handrails to navigate stairs
and ramps. Ramps are probably the most
visible of all accessibility measures. They are
critical for providing an accessible route for
people using wheelchairs.
Visual cues that rely on universal design
symbols can assist people with hearing and
learning impairments.
Applicability
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines (1991) establishes
minimum accessibility standards for public
environments (see htt p://www.access-board.
gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm). This includes
most privately held property with the
exception of single family homes. In Texas,
the federal law is supplemented by the Texas
Accessibility Standards (TAS) (see htt p://
www.license.state.tx.us/AB/tas/abtas.htm).
Yellow tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to the intersection.
Sidewalk ramps for accessibility.
Trails designed for all users.
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