Meeting Held on Promoting Accessible Design in Education July 27, 2005
 

In recognizing the critical role education plays in ensuring access for people with disabilities to the built environment, the Board is undertaking an initiative to promote accessible design in the education of architects, interior designers, engineers and others. As a first step in this endeavor, the Board held a forum to get advice from various experts on how it should proceed. Specifically, the Board sought input on how this effort can be advanced through education curricula, design competitions and awards, and outreach to colleges, universities, and accrediting organizations.

In opening remarks, Board Member Daniel O. Rios, P.E. noted that "the Board wants to take accessibility to the next level by assuring that current and future practitioners have an integral understanding of what accessibility means as they design and construct the buildings of the future. We have made this one of our top strategic priorities."

Over 30 participants, including representatives from university programs, accrediting organizations, trade associations, professional societies, and disability groups, provided guidance and suggestions on how this initiative can be undertaken most effectively and strategically. Pioneers in education on accessible or universal design, including Elaine Ostroff, Dr. Edward Steinfeld, and others, offered insights based on their own experiences and efforts. The event was held July 25th during a week of events celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Many recommendations focused on how training on accessible design could be made an integral part of the education curricula. Input was received on various considerations involved in advancing this goal and suggestions were made on the shape and substance of courses and training materials. For example, the Board was cautioned against relying on a “one size fits all” approach since design programs among accredited schools vary widely. However, the belief was expressed that efforts should be undertaken that will constructively influence education curricula and programs. Several participants emphasized the importance of covering the “whys” or reasoning behind design requirements and the effectiveness of involving people with disabilities and real-life experiences in courses and programs. It was also recommended that the Board not focus solely on students in light of the continuing education requirements and practices among design professions.

Feedback was more mixed on the effectiveness of design competitions and awards as an educational tool. Some participants considered them to be more useful in raising awareness. The discussion also touched on various venues for providing education and training on accessible design, training materials and potential partnerships, and outreach efforts to schools, accrediting bodies, and professional and student societies.

For further information on this initiative, contact Jim Pecht at pecht@access-board.gov.

Opening Remarks by Board Member Daniel O. Rios, P.E.

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to the Access Board’s information meeting on promoting accessible design in academic curricula and continuing education courses. This meeting is intended to begin a dialogue between the Access Board and those academic communities which are charged with teaching our nation’s current and future designers of the built environment. In one sense, the goal of this meeting is simple and straightforward: the Board wants to take accessibility to the next level by assuring that current and future practitioners have an integral understanding of what accessibility means as they design and construct the buildings of the future. We have made this one of our top strategic priorities.

But in another sense, we must acknowledge the complexity of the task which we begin today. For while the goal of this meeting is straightforward, seeing that accessible design becomes integrated into both higher and continuing education programs across the country is likely to take a concerted effort over the next several years. And so, we are asking for your help and advice in helping us shape the direction we take in support of this new strategic priority.

This is one of three events which the Access Board is holding in conjunction with the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this week. Many of you in this room possess some specific expertise in either academia, design, or the accreditation of programs which educate design professionals. This afternoon, we want to gain your thoughts and suggestions on three separate yet interrelated topics. First, what can be done to promote the study of accessibility and accessible design in schools of architecture, engineering and interior design curricula? Second, how can accessibility be promoted through design competitions and other initiatives? Finally -- and perhaps most importantly -- what outreach activities can the Access Board initiate with colleges, universities, and technical schools to further the inclusion of accessible design in the future?

Again, I welcome you to this meeting and I am certain that our time together will be productive. I will ask Jim Pecht, the staff person responsible for this meeting to help get the meeting started.

Daniel O. Rios, P.E., of McAllen, Texas is Senior Vice President at S&B Infrastructure, Ltd. in McAllen, Texas, a company that provides planning, engineering, and construction management. He oversees major transportation engineering projects throughout Texas and was previously employed by the Texas Department of Transportation. His experience in engineering design and construction management has included projects involving environmental analysis, roadway design and traffic planning, utility relocation, right-of-way mapping and property acquisition, and drainage design. Rios holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&I University.

List of Participants

Jim Andrews
Andrews Consulting Services

Patricia Beattie
American Council of the Blind

Ralph Bennett, AIA, Professor of Architecture
School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland

Helena Berger
American Association of People with Disabilities

Gail Davidson, IIDA, ASID, IDEC, Academic Director of Interior Design
The Art Institute of Washington

Jim Dinegar, Chief Operating Officer
American Institute of Architects

Alan Dinsmore
American Foundation for the Blind

Carol Donnelly, ASID, Interior Design Faculty
The Art Institute of Washington

Nancie Etzel
Maryland Alliance on Disability Commissions and Committees

Michael V. Geary, CAE, Executive Director
American Institute of Architecture Students

Andrew L. Goldberg, Associate AIA
American Institute of Architects

Bradford Grant, Chairperson
Department Of Architecture, Hampton University

Linda Gutmann, Compliance Specialist
United Spinal Association

James Hanna, Southern Regional Director
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards

Logan Hopper, Disability Access Consultant
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund

Jeff Kenney, Executive Director
National Council for Interior Design Qualification

Richard Kuchnicki, Federal Program Manager
International Code Council

Kekku Lehtonen, AIA
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

Julia Lent, Manager, State Government Affairs
American Society of Landscape Architects

Mark Lichter, Associate Director of Architecture
Paralyzed Veterans of America

Carol Lopez, National Architecture Director
Paralyzed Veterans of America

Ann Makowski
Society for Environmental Graphic Design

Michael Monti, Executive Director
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

Elaine Ostroff (via phone)
Westport, Massachusetts

Korydon Smith, Assistant Professor of Architecture
University of Arkansas School of Architecture

Erin Speck
The George Washington University at Mount Vernon Campus

Edward Steinfeld, Professor of Architecture
IDEA Center, School of Architecture and Planning, State University of New York at Buffalo

Mike Stinziano, Ph.D.
International Interior Design Association

Marian Vessels, Director
ADA & IT Information Center for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Stephanie Vierra
Steven Winter Associates

Deanna Waldron, Government Relations
American Society of Interior Designers