Inclusive design makes life easier, healthier and friendlier for a diverse population.

1. Center for Inclusive Design &
Environmental Access
Making environments and products more usable, safer and healthier in response to
the needs of an increasingly diverse population.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

2. IDeA Center Overview
 Founded in 1984
 Multi-disciplinary research center: Architects,
planners, behavioral scientists, occupational
therapists, industrial engineers
 Starting 3rd RERC cycle on Universal Design
 In 3rd year of first RERC on Accessible Public
Transportation
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

3. Inclusive Design Definition
Inclusive design makes life easier, healthier and
friendlier for a diverse population.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

4. IDeA Center Mission
The IDeA Center practices inclusive design through
research, development, service, dissemination, and
educational activities.
The primary goal of the Center is to produce
knowledge and tools that will increase social
participation of groups such as people with
disabilities and the older generation, who have been
marginalized by traditional design practices.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

5. Core Staff
 Dr. Edward Steinfeld, AIA - Architect
 Anthropometry and full scale modeling
 Housing and product design
 Accessible transportation
 Design for aging and disability
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

6. Core Staff
 Dr. Victor Paquet – Human Factors and
Ergonomics Researcher
 Prototype Anthropometric Database of Wheelchair
Users
 Effects of products and environments on user
kinematics
 Occupational safety and health
 Usability evaluation tool
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

7. Core Staff
 Dr. James Lenker – Industrial Engineer,
Occupational Therapist
 Effectiveness of assistive technology devices and
environmental interventions for people with disabilities
 Human factors
 Usability testing of consumer products, including
assistive technology devices
 Occupational ergonomics
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

8. Core Staff
 Danise Levine, AIA, M. Arch. – Architect
 Model Homes
 Home Modifications
 Technical Assistance
 Housing and product design
 Design for aging and disability
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

9. Core Staff
 Jordana Maisel, MUP – Urban Planner
 Outreach and policy studies
 Visitability
 Evidence based guidelines for universal design
 Continuing education
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

10. Core Staff
 Heamchand Subryan, M. Arch, MFA – Design
Research Associate
 Interactive technology development
 Smart home technologies
 Graphic and website design
 Development of exhibitions, displays and products
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

11. Core Staff
 Beth Tauke, MA, MFA – Associate Professor of
Architecture
 Graphic and media design
 Universal Design Education
 Universal Design Identity Program
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

12. Core Staff
 Jonathan White, M. Arch. – Architectural Research
and Design Associate
 Co-Author of Inclusive Housing: A Pattern Book
 Home Modifications
 Housing design
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

13. Core Staff
 Clive D’Souza – PhD. Candidate, Industrial and
Systems Engineering
 Prototype Anthropometric Database
 Human factors
 Three-dimensional data visualization
 Virtual reality applications and software development
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

14. Core Staff -- Consultant
 Dr. Sue Weidemann – Applied Behavioral
Psychologist
 Effectiveness of universal design in practice
 Evidence based guidelines for universal design
 Buildings in use
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

15. Core Staff -- Consultant
 Dr. Korydon Smith – Architect
 Regional and cultural differences
 Inclusive design education
 Design standards and practices
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

16. Our Primary Activities
 Basic and applied research
 University education programs
 Professional education
 Technical Services
 Development of buildings, products,
communications, publications, and social initiatives
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

17. IDeA Center Current Projects
 RERC – Universal Design in the Built Environment
 RERC – Accessible Public Transportation
 Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility
 Global Universal Design Commission
 Home Modifications
 ADA Consulting
 Model Home Design Program
 Post Occupancy Evaluations
 Universal Design Education
 Continuing Education
 Product Development
 Dissemination / Publications
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

18. RERC - UD
 2010-2015
 The only federally sponsored research and
development center in this field
 A partnership between the IDeA Center, the
Ontario Rehabilitation Technology Consortium
(ORTC), and representatives from the design and
disability communities
 Activities guided by “evidence-based practice”
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

19. RERC - UD
Research Activities
 R1: Improving Home Modifications for Aging in Place
 R2: Improving Universal Design Standards for Public
Buildings
 R3: Improving Rights-of-Way Using Universal Design
Development Activities
 DV1: Standards for Universal Design
 DV2: Product Development for Knowledge Transfer
Training Activities
 Advanced Graduate and Professional Education in
Universal Design, University Education Consortium,
Design Partnerships
Dissemination Activities
 Scientific and Trade Publications, Electronic Media,
Outreach and Conference Program
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

20. RERC - APT
 2008-2013
 A partnership between Carnegie Mellon
University’s Robotics Institute and IDeA Center
 Utilizing elements of enabling technology and
principles of universal design to address high
priority transportation needs of people with
disabilities
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

21. RERC - APT
Research Activities
 R1 – Empowering the User to Improve the Travel Chain
 R2 – Human Factors of Boarding and Disembarking
Vehicles
Development Activities
 DV1 – Open Information System Tools
 DV2 – Improved Vehicle Interiors – An Industry
Partnership Project
Training Activities
 Fellowship Program, Online Education, Student R&D
Experience
Dissemination Activities
 Online Information Clearinghouse, Conferences and
Symposia, Standards and Regulations
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

22. Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility
 Evaluate existing accessibility standards
 Provide evidence-base for revision of accessibility
standards
 Develop performance-based design tools
 In both graphic and interactive forms
 Gauge physical accessibility for mobility device
users
 Encourage design beyond the minimum standards
 Apply to the environment (buildings, streets, and
transportation)
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

23. GUDC
Purpose: To develop and promote the
understanding and use of Universal Design through
consensus-based voluntary standards.
Not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation.
Collaboration with:
 Gilberti Stinziano Heintz & Smith, PC.
 Burton Blatt Institute
 Committee Members
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

24. GUDC
A voluntary consensus standards development
process to provide an objective system of
measurement to evaluate UD adoption:
 Promotes the adoption and use of newly developed
UD standards across environments;
 Educates designers, developers, lenders,
governments, and end users of the benefits of
application of UD standards;
 Measures, through a ratings system, the level of
adoption;
 Certifies buildings that meet UD standards;
 Conducts training, offer technical assistance.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

25. Home Modifications
 Provide design and consulting services
 Over 500 projects completed
 Approximately 50 small-scale home modifications
per year
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

26. ADA Consulting
 1 major U.S. city
 3 local school districts
 3 national retail chains
 University of Rochester
 Albright-Knox Art Gallery
 NYC Public Housing Authority
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

27. Model Home Design Program
 Technical assistance and design expertise to
build universally designed buildings
 New model home and public building
demonstrations in various parts of the U.S.
 Coordinated with local architects and building
owners
 Data on costs, perceptions, and UD challenges
and successes
 Currently four projects underway and three
completed
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

28. Post Occupancy Evaluation
 Validate the claimed benefits of UD
 Evaluate examples of UD in public buildings and
spaces
 Lighthouse International – New York City
 Fast food restaurants – upstate New York
 Public streetscapes and hotels – Las Vegas,
Nevada
 Online surveys
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

29. UD Education
 Bridging the Gap (HBCU)
 To increase awareness and knowledge for the next
generation of architects about design for a pluralistic
population including those often underrepresented
like people who have disabilities, health conditions,
low incomes, older people and children.
 UD Education Online (www.udeducation.org)
 To support educators and students in their teaching
and study of universal design.
 UD Education Consortium
 Develop new academic leaders, promote UD as a
component of university general education as well as
design education, program of mentoring, technical
assistance, and information sharing.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

30. Online Continuing Education
 The IDeA Center Continuing Education program
is designed for advocates, builders/contractors,
planners, architects, occupational and physical
therapists, and policymakers interested in
learning about the universal design of places,
products, and systems with a particular focus on
the implications of a life span design perspective.
 The online program on UB Learns consists of 2
core courses, 2 human factors courses, and
several electives.
 All courses run to-date have offered AIA CEU
credit.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

31. Product Development
Industry Partnerships
 Proctor & Gamble: UD Standards development
 Touch Graphics: Touch models for orientation
 CreateAbility Concepts: Tools for wayfinding and
improved appliance controls
 New American Homes: LIFEHouse
 Wounded Warriors Foundation: UD housing
 Engineered Plastics: Tactile warnings
 Gillig: Demonstration bus
 American Seating: Improved seating and
securement systems on buses
 Lift U: Improvements to transit ramp systems
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

32. Product Highlight
Interactive Talk and Touching Model
 Collaboration between Touch Graphics Inc. and
the RERC on Universal Design in the Built
Environment.
 Model allows an immersive wayfinding
experience through audio, visual, and tactile
feedback.
 3-D map is painted with special conductive paint
to create sensitized zones. Touches are detected
by embedded electrodes connected to a
multichannel sensor.
 Currently installed and running at the Staten
Island Ferry Terminal, the Carroll Center for the
Blind, the Chicago Lighthouse International, and
the Perkins Center for the Blind.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

33. Product Development – In-House
 Universal Bathroom
 Universal Kitchen Cabinets
 Emergency Shelter for Displaced People
 Next Gen Bus Shelter
 Fall Detection Device (ORTC)
 Reading Device for Low Vision (ORTC)
 Cold Weather Clothing (ORTC)
 Citizen Participation Software (RI)
 Transportation Route Information (RI)
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

34. Product Highlight
Tiramisu-- Community Driven Transit
Information
 Project of the RERC on Accessible Public
Transportation
 Data crowdsourced:
 Riders report on bus location and fullness
 Real-time arrival predictions using machine learning
 Minimal infrastructure
 Support feedback from riders about experiences
 Transparency, prioritization, and report tracking
 Problems, positives, suggestions
 An example of how universal design principles can
help transit riders of all abilities share and get the
information they need
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Public Transportation (www.rercapt.org, www.tiramisutransit.com)

35. Dissemination / Publications
 Inclusive Housing: A Pattern Book
 Published in 2010 by W.W. Norton & Co.
 State of the Science in Universal Design E-Book
 Published online in 2010 by Bentham Sciences Ltd.
 Design Resources
 Published in 2010 online by IDeA Center
 Universal Design Textbook
 Forthcoming to be published by Wiley & Sons
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

36. Research Capabilities
 Demographic and policy analysis
 Online surveys
 Usability testing
 Products in use in real world settings
 Full scale simulation
 Ergonomic analysis
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

37. Development Support Capabilities
 Design tools
 Usability rating scale
 Demonstration buildings
 Design prototyping
 Focus groups
 Branding
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

38. Partnerships
 University at Buffalo
 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
 Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon
 Concrete Change
 Burton Blatt Institute
 United Spinal Association
 Easter Seals Project Action
 AARP
 Wounded Warriors Foundation
 Village of Williamsville
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

39. Funding
Current Funding
 NIDRR
 U.S. Access Board (just completed)
 NEA
 OMRDD
 People, Inc.
 Aspire
 Attorneys
 Online Course Revenue
 Private Clients
Past Funding
 HUD
 NYCHA
 City of New York
 Heartland Homes
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

40. Impact of IDeA Center -- General
 Established a university research and
development model
 Participated in the development of the Seven
Principles of Universal Design
 Helped to define the concept of Universal Design
 Developed an international UD identity program for
Universal Design
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

41. Impact of IDeA Center -- Research
 Helped to shape existing U.S. codes, and continue
to provide evidence base for code revision
 Proved the benefits of Universal Design through
systematic research
 Established international research partnership on
winter climate issues
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

42. Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access
School of Architecture & Planning
State University of New York at Buffalo
114 Diefendorf Hall| 3435 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214 – 3087
tel: +1 (716) 829.5902
fax: +1 (716) 829.3861
email: ap-idea@buffalo.edu
web: http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea
web: http://www.udeworld.com
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo