About Us
Mission
Our mission is to ensure inclusivity by creating spaces that eliminate barriers for all; transforming the way buildings and communities are designed and maintained; and elevating the user experience by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation: Universal Design.
Vision
The isUD embodies the future of Universal Design’s success. Our vision is for the public to recognize the value of Universal Design and isUD Certification and call on their communities to implement innovative solutions for Universal Design in order to make our world healthier, friendlier, and safer.
Values
Inclusivity & Equality: We are all in this world together for better or worse: Let’s make it better for all.
Innovation & Creativity: Building a better world requires action and new ideas. Creating change and improving the world around us requires bold new ideas.
Science & Experience: Bold new ideas proven effective by science and coupled with the wisdom learned from centuries of building tradition are a recipe for the solutions we need.
Team
The isUD program was developed and is maintained by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center) at the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. The IDEA Center engages in research and design focused on advancing equity and inclusion. The IDEA Center creates person-centered tools, programs, and environments, and shares these practices with change -makers in universities, organizations, and communities.
Sponsor
The isUD program was developed and is maintained by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center) at the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. The IDEA Center engages in research and design focused on advancing equity and inclusion. The IDEA Center creates person-centered tools, programs, and environments, and shares these practices with change -makers in universities, organizations, and communities.
What is Universal Design
Universal design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012).
8 Goals of Universal Design
Body Fit: Accommodate a wide a range of body sizes and abilities
Comfort: Keep demands within desirable limits of body function
Awareness: Ensure that critical information for use is perceived easily
Understanding: Make methods of operation and use intuitive, clear, and unambiguous
Wellness: Contribute to health promotion, avoidance of disease, and prevention of injury
Social integration: Treat all groups with dignity and respect
Personalization: Incorporate opportunities for choice and the expression of individual preferences
Cultural Appropriateness: Respect and reinforce cultural values and the social and environmental context of any design project
