Title: Reasonable Accommodation and Universal Design in Higher Education
Course: Ensuring Inclusive Access Through the Use of Assistive Technology > Section: Defining the Concepts of Diversity and Inclusivity

Accessibility

Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that accessibility is a prerequisite for the independent living of persons with disabilities and for their full and equal participation in society, as well as for the unhindered enjoyment of all their human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others. Without access to the physical environment, transportation, information and communication, information and communication technologies and systems, and other facilities and services open or provided to the public, persons with disabilities do not have equal opportunities to participate in society (General Comment No. 2, 2014).

Reasonable accommodation

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Universal Design

Universal Design originated in architecture in the 1980s and was initially focused on creating accessible environments for people with disabilities in the USA. From building design, it expanded to education (Universal Design for Learning) and later to the workplace.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Act on the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Official Gazette NN 6/2007) defines universal design as "the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design".

"​The strict application of universal design to all new goods, products, spaces, technologies, and services must ensure full, equal and unhindered access for all potential users, including persons with disabilities, in a manner that respects their dignity and diversity. It should help create an unimpeded chain of movement from one space to another, including movement within a specific space, without barriers. Persons with disabilities and other users should be able to move along streets without obstacles, enter accessible low-floor vehicles, access information and communication, and enter and move within buildings constructed according to universal design, using technical aids and assistants where necessary." (General Comment No. 2, 2014)

Principles of universal design

In 1997, seven principles of universal design were developed for use in designing products, services, and environments to ensure equal access for all users.

1. Equitable use

Products, services and environments should be usable in the same way by all users.

Figure 2.a Spiral ramp between floors allows easy access and safe evacuation

Figure 2.b Entrance to a public transport vehicle using a ramp

2. Flexibility in use

Products, services and environments should be designed to accommodate a wide range of user preferences and abilities.

Figure 3.a Elevators with wide doors and special controls positioned at floor level for easier use by people in wheelchairs

Figure 3.b Scissors suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users

3. Simple and intuitive use

The simplicity and ease of using products, services, and environments for users of different ages and abilities, while effectively performing desired activities.

Figure 4.a Building doors controlled by sensors, allowing hands-free use

Figure 4.b Simple instructions for use

4. Perceptible information

Effective communication of information to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Figure 5.a Toilets adapted for all levels of ability

Figure 5.b: Perceptible markings in public transport

5. Tolerance for error

Minimising hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional user actions.

Figure 6.a A simple system for navigating interior finishes and floors, designed using acoustic landmarks

Figure 6.b Possibility of correcting an error

6. Low physical effort

Products, services and environments should be used efficiently and comfortably, requiring minimal physical effort from the user.

Figure 7.a Pavement with textured surface to facilitate movement for people with visual impairment

Figure 7.b ATM accessible to people in wheelchairs

7. Appropriate size and space for approach and use

Ensuring appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Figure 8.a Ceiling designed to improve acoustics

Figure 8.b Passage adapted for wheelchair users

Questions and Assignments for Self-Assessment and Reflection

1. How is reasonable accommodation defined?
2. How is universal design defined?
3. List the seven principles of universal design.

References

Karaman Grbavac, M. (2022) Accessibility. Universal Design and Reasonable Accommodation / Pristupačnost. Univerzalni dizajn i Razumna prilagodba.

General Comment No. 2 (2014). Article 9 Accessibility.

Act on the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities / Zakon o potvrđivanju Konvencije o pravima osoba s invaliditetom i Fakultativnog protokola uz Konvenciju o pravima osoba s invaliditetom, Official Gazette 6/2007.

Figures 2.a–8.a taken from the page

Figures 2.b–4.b taken from the page

Figure 5.b taken from ID 199487111 © Tyrone Kidney | Dreamstime.com

Figure 7.b taken from ID 222884470 © Neirfy | Dreamstime.com

Figure 8.b taken from ID 389228379 © Alvaro Ruiz | Dreamstime.com