News and Events

June 19 Forum: Last Mile Solutions Improving Access to Healthcare

The Northwest Universal Design Council (NWUDC) and community partners invite you to attend a forum on Improving Access to Healthcare through Universal Design Transportation Solutions.

While public transit is an essential component of the transportation system, getting from a transit stop to a hospital or health clinic presents a “last mile” challenge for many. Universal Design Transportation Solutions are critical to address this challenge and improve access to healthcare.

Our expert panel will share examples of solutions that provide a vital link to healthcare services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low–income individuals and families.

The NWUDC event is scheduled Monday, June 19, 2017 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue). The event is free and open to the public.

Accommodations: CART captioning, a hearing loop for T–coil reception, and personal amplification devices will be provided. If you need another accommodation in order to participate, need materials in an alternate format, or have accessibility questions, e-mail NWUDC coordinator Jon Morrison Winters at jon.winters@seattle.gov at your earliest opportunity.

RSVP: Pre-registration is appreciated, though not required. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VY3WPBL to register.

The 7 Principles of Universal Design

The principles of Universal Design were developed by a group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers in 1997. For guidelines, click here.

1. Equitable Use—The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use—The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use—Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information—The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error—The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort—The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use—Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.