Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
stepwise decision-making process might need to be repeated for each environment or
context where the intended use of the AT would occur. The next section describes a case
study in which an EA process informed by the dimensions of accessibility, sustainability,
and UD was applied in a real-life context to achieve the best assistive solution for multiple
users.
4.4.2 Case evaluation: Considering Accessibility, Universal
Design, and Sustainability Within the eA Process
To more fully understand the EA process and the role of accessibility, UD, and sustainabil-
ity, we share the following case study that resulted from a research project exploring the
intersection of these three dimensions of the environment (Gossett et al. 2009). This project
began in an effort to document and analyze the decisions that a cross-disability organiza-
tion named Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago (Access Living) was making during
the design a new-construction building. Disabled advocates established Access Living in
1980 to advocate for disability rights, pride, and dignity for people with disabilities. An
overall goal of Access Living in designing the new-construction building was to develop
a space that was universally designed while maximizing accessibility and sustainability
within the design. The dimensions of accessibility and UD were imperative in the project
because most users of the future building included staff and consumers with a wide range
of disabilities. Sustainability was also important in the project in order to pursue the goal
of using “green design” to create environmentally responsible construction in accordance
with architectural trends and standards in the city (Kibert 2008). Specific details related to
the research project are published elsewhere (Gossett et al. 2009). However, a case example
of the decision-making processes involved in designing a conference room within the new
building is described here. This case example offers a discussion of the interrelated aspects
of the environment, AT, and users of the space within the EA process.
At the beginning of the design process, a multidisciplinary team of architects, dis-
ability advocates, and rehabilitation professionals collaboratively assessed the follow-
ing: (1) users' needs for an assistive solution, with users being defined as all staff and
consumers of Access Living services; (2) aspects of access, UD, and sustainability that
may/may not be afforded by the environment; and (3) AT options that may contribute
to specific needs of individuals using the environment.
Through this initial evaluation process, it was determined that the access needs of the
users of the conference room included:
• A room large enough to accommodate large numbers of people using various
forms of AT, such as electronic communication devices, wheelchairs, and other
mobility devices;
• Ease of communication for people who are deaf/hard of hearing and options for
recording and captioning meetings;
• Lighting to meet multiple needs such as focused lighting for sign language inter-
preters, task lighting for people with low-vision impairments, and nonglare light-
ing for people with light-sensitivity impairments;
• Electrical outlet options for powering various AT equipment such as real-time
interpretation devices, power wheelchairs, and computers; and
• Objects within the environment (tables, chairs, etc.) that offered lexible use and
ease of movement throughout the space.
