Most employment specialists and other employment professionals have at least some familiarity with the term Universal Design or Universal Design for Learning. But what does it actually mean and how does it apply to the workplace? The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, a part of Ireland’s National Disability Authority, created this definition: “Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.”
Simply put, universal design benefits everyone because products, services, or environments are designed in such a way that all people can or should be able to use them.
Seven Principles of Universal Design
A working group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers developed the Seven Principles of Universal Design in 1997. Those principles are:
- Equitable Use – The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
- Flexibility in Use – The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple and Intuitive Use – Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
- Perceptible Information – The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
- Tolerance for Error – The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
- Low Physical Effort – The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
- Size and Space and Approach for Use – Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
When the seven principles are applied to the workplace, whether it is information technology, tools, workstation, work process, or human resource policies, universal design makes it possible for all employees to function optimally in the workplace. Clients and customers who visit a workplace can benefit as well. We don’t have to have a hearing impairment to be distracted by noisy environments, and we don’t have to have a visual impairment to be bothered by dim lighting. Attention to these situations creates a better atmosphere for all of us.
Using Universal Design at Work
Below is a list of examples provided by the Northwest ADA Center to help you think broadly about how to implement universal design in the workplace to support workers and employers.
- Environmental – effective lighting; adequate space for travel and maneuvering; minimal noise levels; elimination of obstacles in the path of travel; accessible entrances.
- Controls and Tools – accessible door handles, light switches, elevator controls, faucets; tools with textured grips with a diameter that minimizes grasping force.
- Workstation and Storage – minimal glare; blinds or curtains on windows adjacent to the workstation; adjustable chairs and workstations (ergonomic furniture); storage in range of reach for all employees; organizers and file folder storage on the desktop.
- Computers – accessibility features in operating systems; training in the ergonomics of seating posture and positioning; ergonomic use of keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
- Communications – volume controls on telecommunication equipment; accessible, high contrast signage; alternate formats (large print, electronic files).
- Safety – multi-sensory alarm signals (auditory, visual); emergency and safety equipment clearly identified and placed in a conspicuous location.
Read about how Walgreens incorporated universal design into its North Carolina Distribution Center. (See the link in the Resources section below.) In addition, the company’s inclusive policies and practices led to its “same job, same performance” operating model. Over 1,500 individuals with disabilities have now completed Walgreens’ retail and customer service training. What does Walgreens get out of it? A lot. According to Walgreen’s they’ve improved safety, decreased absenteeism and turnover, and are now able to “tap into a wider pool of talent, retain valued team members, and gain insight into the needs of an important and expanding segment of the customer base.” Watch the video below and note that Walgreens attributes its success to the partnerships its store managers have with job coaches and community agencies.
Resources on Universal Design in the Workplace
Inclusive Design (Healthier Workforce Center)
Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT)
Walgreens North Carolina Distribution Center Case Study on Universal Design