Benefits and Principles of Universal Design

The following is a list of the benefits Universal Design aims to espouse.

The Benefits of Universal Design:

  • Creates an inclusive society which acknowledges human diversity, ensures quality and social inclusion on equal terms, and promotes respects for the abilities of every person.
  • Improves the quality of all people, leaving no one behind
  • Reduces stigma and discrimination, providing more opportunities for vulnerable groups
  • Promotes independence, mobility, and social inclusion
  • Reduces the economic burden of special programs and services which aim to assist specific persons and groups

The 7 Principles of Universal Design:

  1. Equitable in Use
  2. Flexibility in Use
  3. Simple and Intuitive Use
  4. Perceptible Information
  5. Tolerance for Error
  6. Low Physical Effort
  7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Additionally, here is a list of presumptive benefits of Universal Design specifically in regard to healthcare facilities (source). It should be pointed out that while doctors are included on this list, prority is usually given to patients (here referred to as "clients and their families.")

Universal Design in Healthcare Facilities:

  • Promotes medical facility policy-making that considers the needs of everyone who uses the facility: clients and their families, service providers, and distributors
  • Promotes resource savings
  • Reduces potential risks and promotes a safe environment
  • Acknowledges human diversity
  • Makes service provision human-centered, ensuring safety, high quality, and respect for human dignity
  • Promotes an improvement in the health of clients and personnel
  • Offers solutions that can be modified and changed to meet different users’ needs and requirements.
  • Helps balance the needs of different people
  • Reduces professional burnout of medical personnel
  • Optimizes efforts and facilities the work of personnel
  • Improves safety and comfort of all

Universal Design in Environment and Facilities:

  • Ensure an accessible public transport stop is built according to the standard and is not far away from the facility
  • Provide parking spaces, including accessible parking spots for persons with Disabilities marked with the International Symbol of Access
  • Install bicycle parking racks
  • Hang a signboard with name of facility
  • Provide clear and understandable direction signs near the building
  • Provide appropriate width and even surfaces for pedestrian paths
  • Ensure tree branches and bushes are not an obstruction or potential hazard
  • Provide rest benches

References:

Baida, L., & Ivanova, O. (2019). Universal Design in Healthcare Manual. (M. Konova, Trans.).

Benefits and Principles of Universal Design