For a more up to date perspective please listen to Podcast Episode #119 Universal Design and Why it’s So Important
Last week (July 2015) , I had the pleasure of presenting at the NADP International Conference in Manchester about the Calibre Leadership and Development Programme. The conference theme centred on supporting Universal Design (UD) and its benefits to all.
Beyond simply addressing impairments, but proactively reducing barriers. One way is through designing amazing buildings, that incidentally win international architecture awards too!
What’s changed regarding Supporting Universal Design?
We all know that in the last 30 years things may have improved slightly in the UK on paper. For women, LGBQIA+ communities and disabled people. However, why isn’t this translated into holistic practice? It seems to me that often high-pressure environments view “difference” as a challenge at best and a weakness at worse.
So, how can organisations embrace and champion universal design, universal inclusion and universal learning? After hearing from global experts on the subject I have put together my suggestions. With the idea to help you to integrate the principles in your daily work.
Top Tips for Supporting Universal Design
1. Never assume and always ask! A one size fits all approach, doesn’t work. Finding common ground is only possible if you create a space for dialogue. An approach that means people will learn from each other.
2. Challenge normative processes. Policies are written from a particular perspective. Ask colleagues, staff, customers and students to input into them for a holistic end result.
3. Demonstrate and show impact. Where possible show how universal design can improve business and increase recognition of an organisation. Quantitative statistics will take time, but the positive staff and customer experience can always be captured.
4. Change may be very slow and incremental, but that’s ok. Capture success and keep building a community of people who want to contribute to improvement.
My Connection with the topic
I am honoured to be the lead in the HE sector for launching a disabled leadership and development programme, entitled Calibre. I was asked challenging questions at the NADP conference about this, and rightly so. The programme is not about fixing people. It’s about enabling people to see their potential and be actors in their own journey. Giving people the space and freedom to learn from their peers, find their voice and use their voice. Indeed to talk about how they want their barriers to be removed.
I feel we all have a responsibility to promote universal design. This is imperative if we are to see a real shift in removing barriers in the workplace and beyond. Supporting universal design is essential.
To find out more about the work of Diverse Minds have a look here.
