Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Universal
design
Sustainability
Accessibility
FIgUre 4.1
(See color insert.)
The intersection model of conceptual dimensions of accessibility, sustainability, and univer-
sal design.
Maximal access
Accessibility
No access
High impact/
low eciency
No impact/
high eciency
Sustainability
Intuitive/
flexible/integrated
Specialized/
technical/segregated
Universal design
FIgUre 4.2
(See color insert.)
The continuum model of conceptual dimensions of accessibility, sustainability, and universal
design.
In Figure 4.2, the dimensions of accessibility, sustainability, and UD each exist along
their own continuum. Each design decision can be evaluated in terms of UD, accessibility,
and sustainability, falling into various places on the three continua. Evaluation on these
continua can help to focus a decision on a critical deciding factor. Both the intersection and
continuum models can play an important role in guiding environmental assessments and
informing decisions during the ATA process. An environment that falls in the ideal center
of the intersection model will have the following characteristics:
• It will facilitate the optimal functioning of a particular AT prescribed to a par-
ticular user with a disability (accessibility), thereby promoting the utilization
of the prescribed AT by that user. For example, the optimal functioning of a
wheelchair and consequently the user's ability to enter and use a building is
contingent on the presence of a ramp (accessible) or stairs (inaccessible) at the
building's entrance.
• It will seamlessly accommodate the AT as part of its layout or architecture (Center
for Universal Design 1997). For example, a building entrance that is level with
the sidewalk and textured to allow cane detection eliminates the need for a sep-
arate entrance for users of walkers, canes, and wheelchairs, thereby seamlessly
