What is Universal Design?

As accessibility specialists, people often assume that we simply follow only the latest code or standard requirements, but our specialty in the field has been, and continues to be, to view accessibility through the lens of Universal Design. But when we say that, not everyone is familiar with these design parameters so it's a question we frequently get asked. The following content will hopefully clarify just what Universal Design is and how it applies to the built environment. Please note that all links provided in the information below will open a new tab or browser window so that you can explore and then come back to us without losing your place.

Definition

"The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." As defined by the The Center for Universal Design

Video Presentation

The following is a video of our President, Bob Topping, discussing What is Universal Design. This was filmed in 2005 by the Design Exchange (DX) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Toronto's Design Exchange (DX)