RERC-UD 2015-2020
The RERC on universal design and the Built Environment will uses a Knowledge-To-Action Model to advance accessibility and universal design (UD) in the four domains of the built environment: 1) commercial and public buildings, (2) housing, (3) community infrastructure, and (4) transportation. The RERC activities address key needs for knowledge and demonstrate the value of evidence-based practice through improved building regulations and adoption of voluntary UD standards. Strategically important research, development, training, and dissemination activities integrate accessibility and UD goals with the generally accepted models, methods, and metrics in the building and product development industries. Short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes will improve physical access, health, and social participation for people with disabilities while also being beneficial for the broader population of users of the built environment.
Research Projects
Effectiveness of Universal Design in Practice
Project Leads: Jordana Maisel, PhD, Brittany Perez, OTD, OTR/L, Sue Weidemann, PhD
This project examines the effectiveness of universal design (UD) in practice across four domains of the built environment: (1) commercial and public buildings, (2) housing, (3) community infrastructure, and (4) transportation. It utilizes a multi-method approach to document, evaluate, and demonstrate the impact of UD on various usability, performance, and participation outcomes. Findings will be used to inform UD Standards (DV1), evaluate a UD certification website (DV1), and increase UD implementation in built environments.
Targeted Human Factors Research
Project Leads: James Lenker, PhD, OTR/L, Tilak Dutta, PhD, Heamchand Subryan, MFA, MArch
This project studies critical accessibility, safety, and usability issues for people with impairments across multiple domains of the built environment. The findings from this project will provide information to guide recommendations for improved accessibility and building standards (DV1) and develop guidelines and reference designs to inform future product development and usability testing (DV2).
Development Projects
Tools for Accessibility and Universal Design Standards
Project Leads: Edward Steinfeld, ArchD and Clive D’Souza, PhD
This project is developing new tools to improve and implementing new standards for accessibility, usability, health, and safety. Subprojects are: (1) developing and demonstrating an interactive web-based application to support design and standards development, and (2) developing new solutions and a software interface for implementing a certification program on universal design (UD). The solutions and tools address critical needs for adoption of improved UD standards and accessibility regulations.
Innovative Product Development
Project Coordinator: Edward Steinfeld, ArchD, AIA
This project is developing example products through a series of creative partnerships. In each partnership, the RERC is working collaboratively to help develop and evaluate an innovative product prototype, move a prototype to commercialization, or scale-up production. The project also puts the Need to Knowledge (NtK) model into practice and, through these experiences, provides case studies on the model’s effectiveness in translating knowledge to successful product development in universal design (UD). Partnerships are balances across the 4 domains of the built environment. (Cold Weather Tactile Warnings | Stock Plans for UD Houses | Touch Models | Smart Sign System |
Training and Dissemination
Project Leads: Korydon Smith, EdD, MArch, Brittany Perez OTD, OTR/L, Jonathan White, MArch
The training activities: (1) collaborate with new and existing networks to expand outreach and assistance on accessibility and universal design (UD) to community members; (2) co-ordinate continuing professional education to designers, builders, planners, occupational therapists, and others through traditional and online courses and workshops; and (3) increase capacity for practice in the field of accessibility and UD through graduate assistantships. Together, these efforts are increasing demand for knowledge of UD.
Project Leads: Jordana Maisel, PhD and Heamchand Subryan, MFA/MArch
The dissemination activities: (1) support publication of findings, methods, guidelines, and standards developed in the RERC activities, (2) ensure timely and flexible delivery of data and information to all of our stakeholder groups, (3) educate the general public through mass media publications and an electronic newsletter, and (4) organize a conference program and outreach activities to improve networking and communications among stakeholders.
Publications
Maisel, J. (2016). Impact of Older Adults’ Neighborhood Perceptions on Walking Behavior. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 24, 247-255.
Kim, K., Steinfeld, E. (2016). An Evaluation of stairway designs featured in architectural record between 2000 and 2012. Archnet-IJAR, 10, 96-112.
Steinfeld, E., Maisel, J. L. (2012). Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Li, Y., Hsu, J., & Fernie, G. (2013). Aging and the Use of Pedestrian Facilities in Winter—The Need for Improved Design and Better Technology. Journal of Urban Health, 90(4), 602–617.
Steinfeld, E. (2013). Creating an inclusive environment. In S. Skavlid, H.P. Olsen, and A.K. Haugeto (Ed.), Trends in Universal Design (pp. 52-57). Oslo, Norway: The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs and The Delta Centre.
Tauke, B., Davis, C., and Smith, K. (2015). Diversity and Design: Understanding the Hidden Consequences. New York & London: Routledge.
Kim, K., and Steinfeld, E. (2014). The Effects of Interactive Stairways on User Behavior and Safety. Assistive Technology Research Series, 35, 157 – 166.
Kim, K., Steinfeld, E. (2016). An Evaluation of stairway designs featured in architectural record between 2000 and 2012. Archnet-IJAR, 10, 96-112.
Lenker, J., Maisel, J. L., Ranahan, M. (2016). Assessing the Implementation of Complete Streets Projects. Journal of Architecture and Planning Research, 3, 199-212.
Coming Soon…
Coming Soon…
Previous RERC-UD Cycles
Justifying
1999 - 2004
Established the need for UD and created a catalyst for the growth of the UD community. Created a model for using anthropometry in UD, developed strategies for promoting UD adoption in the building and product industries, and encouraged consumers, both with and without disabilities, to value UD in the marketplace.
Facilitating
2005 - 2010
Produced strategically important deliverables that helped faciliate and advance the field of UD. Generated critical human factors data to resolve design and engineering problems, developed methods to evaluate the usability of designs for people with disabilities, and identified priorities for research and development.
Implementing
2010 - 2015
Advanced knowledge translation for universal design using a Knowledge-To-Action Model. Engaged in strategically important projects that integrated UD Goals with the generally accepted models of practice across three domains of the built environment: (1) housing, (2) public buildings, and (3) community infrastructure.
Evaluating
2015 - 2020
Addresses key needs for knowledge and demonstrates the value of evidence-based practice. Includes evaluations of buildings and facilities using UD features to assess their effectiveness, strengthen the business case for UD, and provide evidence to support increased adoption of UD.
Services we offer!
We offer a wide range of services including: Universal Design Consulting, Accessibility Consulting, Usability Testing, Wayfinding Design, and Training.
