Trends in Childhood Disability Inclusion - a role for universal design
Michael Perry, AIA, DIAD
Nationally recognized Universal Design expert. Creating truly inclusive, accessible, and safer environments.
There is something special about kids just being able to be kids. Kids dream big and want to be included in activities with their peers learning about themselves, their friends and the world that surrounds them. A compromise to this situation may occur when a child has a disability and, for specific reasons, isn't included due to a variety of physical or social barriers that exist in their communities.
I had the opportunity to present the topic of "implementing Universal Design strategies" at a recent Inclusion Summit in San Antonio, Texas. I was intrigued with the presentation from Torrie Dunlap, CEO of KITS who helped us understand the current trends in childhood disability inclusion and the research behind this information. Since then, I have been thinking about "what role can universal design play in positively affecting these trends?" I believe that Universal Design is a platform to change one's mindset when designing for the reality of our diverse population. Universal Design makes life easier, healthier, friendlier and safer.
Please see the attached article I've written which summarizes the five current trends in childhood disability inclusion.
#universaldesign #inclusion #children #disabilities #YMCA #michaelperry