Assistive technology and universal design: Language and links for inclusion
Jane Bringolf
Assistive technology designed specifically to compensate for individual functional limitation or loss is partly the answer to connecting people and community. Currently designers create works for specific sections of the market rather than the whole of the population bell curve. In some instances this is appropriate - children's equipment, clothing and gadgetry needs are different from adult needs. However, there are many areas of life where the principles of universal design can enhance participation by everyone. Nowhere is this more apparent than the built environment. Designs that include zero-step entrances are obvious, but less so are details such as placement of fittings, colour contrasts, signage and labelling. The principles of universal design are an economic imperative. With an ageing population, the costs of designing compensating technologies to overcome poor environmental design cannot be sustained. Universal design will not succeed by treating it as a separate product - it must be regarded as a social movement before change can happen. This means we all have a responsibility to include universal design into the DNA of our thinking. This paper will present information gained from a Churchill Fellowship and show how universal design is a form of assistive technology.
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