Universal Design

Universal design is an idea that encourages architecture, products, and equipment to be designed in a way that is accessible to the largest majority of people.  This is not making a separate item or way that people with disabilities use but instead a design that is user friendly for all.  Take for example these steps in the picture below.  The ramp for those using a wheelchair is not a block down the street or even nonexistent but instead it is in a accessible place within the stairs that everyone can use. Designs such as this one leaves less room for discrimination and helps everyone have an equal opportunity to participate. Living with a disability should not come with the added strain of not being able to use certain products or participate in activities because of inconvenient architecture.  Since learning about universal design, I have been on the lookout for universal design in the world around me.  I hope you will find yourself looking too.  Maybe if we can get people to begin to notice the ways that products discriminate, the world can begin to make steps toward making our world user friendly for all.