This paper explains what universal design is and is not and discusses slides of various products and environments that embody universal design principles. The paper explains that although the term "universal design" suggests a "one size fits all" approach to designing, quite the opposite is true. Rather, universal designers…

Accessibilty features of buildings and facilities provide the opportunity for handicapped persons in the community to become more self-reliant and independent; barrier-free design can enable a person with disabilities to achieve his or her potential for contributions to society. In 1989, the Florida Legislature passed a bill mandating changes to…

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II applies to schools, each school district should have a coordinator to develop an action plan covering the school system. Requirements fall into four areas: general nondiscrimination, equally effective communication, program accessibility, and employment. Compliance with the law is the…

For several years, Weaver High School (Hartford, Connecticut) has used a grant to fund the services of a consultant to provide information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Weaver has a program that allows students with multiple disabilities to be part of the school program and all activities. Activities have provided…