Universal Design vs the American’s with Disabilities Act

Universal Design vs the Americans with Disabilities Act

What is Universal Design? 

Universal design is the design of buildings, products, or environments to make them accessible to people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. It addresses common barriers to participation by creating things that can be used by the maximum number of people possible. (Wikipedia) 

This photo shows how something can be a universal design meaning \anyone can use this

 (Photo taken by Charleigh Long) 

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services. (US Department of Labor) 

This shows what is ADA because not everyone uses these in their everyday life (Mansell Law 2020)

The difference 

Universal Design is accessible to everyone, with and without disabilities. For example, there would be a ramp going into a building. This is because anyone can use it but it is very helpful to people who are in wheelchairs. 

ADA is the allowing of segregation for people with disabilities. For example, braille. Not everyone uses it but it has a huge impact on those who need it. The segregation for this is allowed to happen because it doesn't need to be used by everyone. 

These two vary in who it needs to be accessible for. UD is for everyone, whereas ADA is only for people who need it. 

This drawing shows a handicapped ramp and how it is UD accessible (Drawing by Charleigh Long) 

Think about it

If you had broken your leg, you obviously would use an elevator to go up the stairs. But not everyone needs to read Braille or communicate in sign language. Elevators and ramps help the majority of disabled people. 

Citations

Berry, Susan. “Disability Smart Solutions, Ada Inspector and Accessibility Consultant for Architectural Barriers.” Disability Smart Solutions ADA Inspector and Accessibility Consultant for Architectural Barriers, 8 Oct. 2014

P, A. “Accessible Design vs. Universal Design (& More).” The UD Project, 23 Jan. 2017, universaldesign.org/accessible-vs-universal-design. 

Law, Posted by Mansell. “What Is a ‘Reasonable Accommodation’ under the Ada?” Mansell Law Employment Attorneys, 27 Nov. 2019, ohio-employmentlawyer.com/ada-reasonable-accommodation/. 

 

’s with Disabilities Act