Designing Inclusive Spaces for Everyone's Benefit

1. Inclusive Spaces and Universal Design C2: Mission-Driven Workspace Design 2013 Building Opportunities Paula Sotnik, Director Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston 888-491-0326 (toll-free voice and TTY) 617-287-4343 (direct line) paula.sotnik@umb.edu www.serviceandinclusion.org

2. What in world is Universal Design?

3. Clearing the ramp benefits EVERYONE!

4. At the very least, our legal requirements… For recipients or beneficiaries of federal funds, an accessible environment represents the minimum legal requirement so a person with a disability can use the environment. Example: Entrance to a building

5. Accessible: • An accessible entrance meets the minimum requirements of the law. However, there is- • One entrance for people who can use this door. • Another, accessible entrance for people who cannot use this door.

6. Universally Designed products and environments are to be made usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. -Center for Universal Design at NC State Outcome = seamless use of the environment by all people, regardless of diversity or disability - a culture that is welcoming to all participants.

7. Universally Designed: • Equal access to an environment, product, or tool by most people.

8. What Does Universal Design Look Like? • • Curb cuts • • Closed-captioned television • • Accessible restrooms • • Adjustable desks • Lever door handles • Auditory crosswalks, elevators • Motion sensor door openers • International symbols

9. Inclusive statement • Photos/pictures depict diversity • Printed materials in at least 16pt font • Flash drives to make materials available in electronic format • International symbols • Tables low enough to allow equal access

10. 1. Identity: Support positive self image and social status for the end users 2. Social integration: Support effective participation by all and reduce barriers between user groups 3. Cultural compatibility: Ensure that differences in cultural values and attitudes are respected 4. Awareness: Make information needed for safe and effective use readily available in all necessary forms 5. Understanding: Ensure that the methods of operation and use are easily understood by all users6. Comfort. Ensure that the physical demands for safe and effective use are within the comfort range of the widest range of people 7. Body fit: Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities

11. 1. Identity: Support positive self image and social status for the end users • Provides the same means for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. • Avoids segregating or stigmatizing any users. • Makes provisions for privacy, security, and safety and makes them equally available to all users. • Makes the design appealing to all users. • Reduces the need to ask for specific accommodations.

12. Canon Universal Design Kyosei … business organization should be concerned for the many stakeholders with whom it comes into contact. http://www.canon.com/about/ud/index.html

13. On Inclusive Meetings and Conferences • Is integrated accessible seating (chairs removed) available in all event spaces? • Is there sufficient space between tables for maneuverability? • Is access and accommodation information widely disseminated to all participants? • If external activities are planned, is accessible transportation arranged? • Consider using CART – benefits everyone! http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access • See http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access for more info

14. Scent free space benefits EVERYONE!

15. Photo, Text and Braille Office Signs

16. The Room Behind This Door Is A Strobe Free Space

17. 2. Social Integration: Support effective participation by all and reduce barriers between user groups Is integrated accessible seating (chairs removed) in all meeting and event spaces?

18. 3. Cultural Compatibility: Ensure that differences in cultural values and attitudes are respected • learn about and celebrate cultures and significant events • value diversity through office design • learn communication modes http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cross-cultural_differences.html

19. 4. Awareness: Make information needed for safe and effective use readily available in all necessary forms • auditory crosswalks and elevators • auditory emergency messages and strobe lights

20. Design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. using bright stripes on edge of steps averts costly mistakes

21. Perceptible Information IKEA Assembly Instructions

24. 6. Comfort. Ensure that the physical demands for safe and effective use are within the comfort range of the widest range of people

25. Low physical effort

26. 7. Body Fit: Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities Sufficient space between furniture, tables, etc. for maneuverability in spaces

27. Accommodate people with the widest range of body sizes, postures and movement abilities

28. Universal Design Quiz 2. Which principle(s) of universal design best describe(s) this image of controls for a running treadmill? • Flexibility in Use • Tolerance for Error • Simple and Intuitive Use • Perceptible Information • All of the above

29. Universal Design Quiz • ‘Captchas’ are an online security measure used to control spam. While you must enter the displayed information correctly, the refresh, audio, and question options best reflect which principles?

30. COMMIT! An organizational commitment to planning an inclusive space often begins with a statement or policy. An accessibility policy shows that your organization welcomes everyone and has planned ahead in an attempt to meet the needs of all participants who may work, visit or attend a meeting or event. THANK YOU For Your Participation!

31. What Can Your Organization Do? • Tomorrow? • Next Week? • Next Month? • In a Year?

32. Additional Resources National Service Inclusion Project handouts and resources on Universal Design: http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/ttt/node/243 Planning Accessible and Inclusive Conferences and Events http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php?page=access Culture Brokering: Developing Capacity to Increase Cultural Competency and Improve Communication http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/culturebrokering/ LiveAbility Project by Kansas State and North Carolina State University in Second Life: http://www.extension.org/pages/22208/the-liveability-house

33. Paula Sotnik Directed 12 federal and state grants supporting individuals with disabilities, including traditionally underrepresented groups, in their communities. Current focus is on capacity building and strategic planning with volunteer, national and community service programs and nonprofits to enhance culturally responsive systems that fully include all aspects of diversity, including individuals with disabilities. Currently examining how national service can serve as a path to reintegration for Wounded Warriors and Veterans with disabilitiesNationally known expertise on assessing and coordinating access and reasonable accommodation details to ensure inclusive and accessible conferences, events and meetings of all sizes. Recognized expert, trainer and author on culture brokering; outreach and recruitment strategies; team and partnership development; measurable outcome oriented strategic planning; national service, volunteerism and disability legislation, policy and practice acquired through years of personal, educational and professional life experiences. Institute for Community Inclusion paula.sotnik@umb.edu 617-590-6409 www.serviceandinclusion.org/culturebrokering/www.serviceandinclusion.orghttp://cirrie.buffalo.edu/culture/monographs/cb.phpcted http://www.serviceandinclusion.org/index.php? page=access