5 Problems with Accessibility (And How Universal Design Fixes Them)
The goal of opening our communities to everyone has been around for decades. Since the 1970s, the US has focused its efforts on improving accessibility in spaces ranging from schools to sidewalks.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 solidified accessibility into law, going one step further to broaden access for everyone. This required even more existing spaces to meet the needs of the over 50 million people with disabilities in the US.
Currently, with advances in medicine affording us longer lifespans and making once-fatal conditions manageable, accessibility must go even further. We must focus on building an accessible future to make our world equally available to everyone.
While traditional accessibility may fall short, here are five things that universal design can fix:
1. Accessibility is not always inclusive
What’s accessible is not always equal. Take, for example, ramps leading up to a building. Yes, they do allow people that need a ramp, such as those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, or canes to enter, but at the cost of forcing them to use a separate path.
How could we allow everyone access in the same way?
Aspects of universal design like no-step entries and automatic sliding doors easily solve this problem in a way that we don’t even notice is “accessible.” Even someone who has their hands full can use these entrances with ease.
In contrast to accessibility, universal design plans spaces for people with a wide range of needs. For example, universally designed concept buses include self-lowering ramps and new ways of securing riders and their chairs that allow them to board without assistance.
2. Accessibility puts burden on the individual
Unlike the majority of able-bodied people, people with disabilities must put a great deal of planning into every errand. Rather than assuming that locations can accommodate them, many have to assume they won’t and plan with this in mind. Even a trip to a new restaurant involves calling ahead; not for reservations, but to ensure they can even accommodate them.
With depression rates being anywhere from 2 to 10 times higher in people with disabilities, social exclusion is often a serious contributing factor.
Instead of putting the burden of ensuring accessibility on the person who needs it, universally designed buildings automatically include features such as spacious bathrooms and fewer hallways. A society build with universal design opens up spontaneity to once complicated plans.
3. Separate “accessible” features are not equal
More often than not, accessible areas inadvertently create extra hurdles. For instance, the stamina it takes for someone to push a manual wheelchair up a long incline is far more effort than an able-bodied person would spend walking up a short set of stairs.
While there has been an increased focus on inclusion, accessibility can only provide so much. Many facilities were not designed with people with disabilities in mind. While older buildings should be adapted to provide equal access, we cannot just stop here.
Universal design creates spaces that include everyone equally, seamless design features like no-step entries and automatic doors that seamlessly blend accessibility and design. Additionally, open floor plans allow fewer navigation challenges for people with a wide range of abilities.
4. Accessibility provides limited solutions to broad problem
Because accessibility serves as an add-on to existing design, its capabilities are limited to the specific feature installed. For instance, a lift designed for wheelchairs does little to help those with low vision or developmental disabilities. Since the spaces are designed for specific needs rather than broad accessibility, they need to be adapted and modified when a new feature is needed.
Rather than designing for specifics, universal design uses aesthetically pleasing features to accommodate both people with disabilities and those without. This means that fewer features need to be changed or reconsidered because of the already inclusive structure.
The open, simple designs used in these buildings help people with sensory processing disorders avoid sensory overload and provide fewer obstacles for people with mobility limitations. Additionally, brightly colored walls near staircases or elevators make it simpler for people with memory impairments or developmental disabilities to navigate. Of course, this comes with the added bonus of creating a visually appealing space.
5. Accessibility is not designed with style in mind
More often than not, accessible goods are far less visually appealing than those intended for able-bodied people. Things like ramps, mobility aids, and wheelchair lifts are rarely built in order to fit the style of a space, instead existing only to serve a purpose.
Often, people forget that style is just as important to to people with disabilities as anyone else. Since disability affects people of all ages, income levels, and genders, catering to only one group falls short of providing equal treatment.
Though it initially sounds like a lesser concern, remember that many mobility aids, accessibility features, and sometimes even living arrangements for people with disabilities lack style and personality. Little things like tasteful design can go great lengths to brighten spaces and moods. After all, who would want to live with so few ways express yourself?
So, even though we’ve come a long way in improving access, there are still areas where we can do even better. With a growing population of people with diverse needs and tastes, universal design provides a future that we can enjoy. Together.
