Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/09/2005 - Joint with CC

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Universa! Access Universal Design Guidelines- Beyond the ADA I ;niversal design is a design philosophy that focuses on ensuring reasonable accessibility for all users beyond the typical definition which is often associated xvith a xvheetchair user. The reality is that the majority of people with disabilities are ambulatory and do not require a wheelchair and the range of abilities and disabilities goes well beyond limited definition. The Enabler model brings to light the broad spectrum of disability concerns that must be considered if Lmiversal design is to be achieved. The model serves as a conceptual aid that helps designers and lay persons empathize with the people who will actually be using a site, building, or facility, and encourages a more c~)mprehensive and integrated view of people with and xvithout disabilities. [ :niversal design attempts to consider all degrees of sensory awareness, al/types of locomotion, and all levels of physical and intellectual function in the design process. By doing so, the needs of individuals with varying desires, abilities, and expectations can be reasonably accommodated in an appropriate setting. The end result is that individuals with and without disabilities are accommodated in a manner that meets their c×pectations for a specific space or setting. This is distinctly different than simply accommodating a set of accessibility requirements that ensure compliance to the law, but may not ensure accessibility for all people. Ensuring that a Design offers Universal Access Opportunities ?Since universal design is still an evolving approach to design, achieving universal access is simpler in c{mccpt than in practice. Anticipating the needs of people with varying degrees of ab/I/ties and disabilities is a formidable task, since it is often very difficult to understand the specific needs of individuals with different abilities when one does not share those limitations. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the design process include individuals that represent a cross-section of the people ~vith and ~vithout disabilities. .\s the project moves into design implementation phases, efforts should be made to involve representatives ()f the divergent populations in the detail design of specific facilities. This approach helps ensure that the design fi)r a given facilitT will actually serve the intended population.