Universal Design: Why should we

care?

Occupational Therapy and Universal Design

Department of Occupational TherapyJefferson School of Health Professions,

Philadelphia, PAPresentation at the Occupational Therapy Center

at Jefferson in Second LifeApril 28 and 30, 2011

Presented by Kaitlin Rodriguez, OTS and Veronica Souter, OTS

Carol Siebert, AOTA says:

“…creating a universally designed community, livable community, a community of the future

helps people to realize that what you do as an industry is not about helping people who are

different but helping people regardless of their need to be a part of the larger community.”

What is Occupational Therapy?

Help people engage in meaningful occupations (things that occupy their time and energy)

Empower clients and promote participation

Help clients complete tasks such as cooking, bathing, shopping, go out with friends, and complete leisure activities

Who do OT’s help?

Infants, children, adults, older adults

People with physical and mental disabilities

OT’s work in many settings such as schools, hospitals, rehab settings, nursing homes, private homes, community settings, and mental hospitals

Link between the person, their environment and the occupations/meaningful activities they do

Barriers can arise from the person or environment

& reduce performance in occupations

Person-Environment-Occupation

Occupationalperformance

Maximizes Fit Minimizes Fit

What is Universal Design???

A way of designing products and the environment so that they can be used by the greatest number of people possible.

Design for all people, not any specific disability

Allows all people to use a space or product equally

Examples of Universal Design

Automatic faucets

Rocker light switches

Contrasting colors

Illuminated entryways and stairways

Zero threshold entrances

Wide doorways

Lever door handles

No Touch Faucets

Dishwasher Drawer

Wet Room Bathroom

Ramp

Lower Sinks

Microwave Drawer

Lazy Susan

UD Kitchen

UD Bedroom

UD Tub

What is an OTs Role in UD?

An OT can work with the client to identify what features and UD products the client will need.

The OT can then work with a contractor to help design the new bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or entire home

What is the Benefit of UD?

UD is very beneficial because it allows the individual to “age in place” or remain in their own home after an injury/disability.

UD allows the home to fit the needs to the individual with the disability and also the rest of the family in a way that is aesthetically pleasing

This way of design does not single out the individual with the disability, it can be used and enjoyed by everyone.

Resources for the design of accessible homes www.UniversalDesign.com

Pictures from Stephen Kern (PhD, OTR/L), Marlene Weiner (OTR/L), and Sue Rodriguez