Spaces and objects that are especially made for people with disabilities generally serve their purpose. Esthetically and morally, however, they leave a lot to be desired. This is because they accentuate the situation and/or limitation of the user. People who use these objects may feel like they stand out and this might make them feel emotionally uncomfortable.

If we take into account that all humans, sooner or later, have physical limitations then we can affirm that it is the design of the object that is flawed (or anti-democratic) because it does not enable everyone to use it. Objects that are not universally accessible accentuate a human characteristic that we all have, that is, the extent of each person's abilities.

Until recently, urban architecture and the objects that surround us have been designed without regard to the variety of needs of users. According to the 2000 Census there are approximately 35 million people who are older than 65 in the United States. Many people in this group experience have diminishing physical capacities. In addition there are another 48 million people with assorted types of disabilities in the United States (US Census).

There also are individuals who may not be diagnosed (or self-identify) as having a disability but who exhibit differing physical abilities and characteristics. This includes people who are very tall or very short; are under- and over-weight; are very weak or strong; very young or elderly. Pregnant woman and children may also be included in this group.

People who have mobility impairments and/or physical limitations live excluded from these spaces or are forced to exert great effort (or employ the assistance of others) to gain access. Architectural barriers include steep stairs and/or ramps; narrow doorframes; small spaces; complicated signs (or ones that are not available in Braille and other alternative formats). Life for people with physical limitations would be completely different if the environment and objects around them adhered to the concepts of universal design.

Ron Mace was one of the fathers of universal design. Mace was an architect who used a wheelchair. Most likely his disability caused him to reflect on the need to transform the concept of spaces and objects so more people could use them. The idea started to gain in popularity in the 1970s. Little by little the physical world (and its laws) has been changing to be more inclusive and democratic.

Universal design consists of creating products and environments in a way that people of all ages and capacities can utilize them. These are usually changes that are simple and involve little cost. Many times it is not even necessary to specialize the object/environment much at all.

A true object or environment that is designed for universal use should not be a nuisance or hassle. On the contrary it should be functional and attractive. It should be integrated into the natural environment without standing out and should not accentuate the limitations or impediments of the user.   It should be accessible to people who have limitations and to those who do not, adapting itself in a natural way to everyday users. For example, an automatic door - not one that swings - can be used even by a person who does not see.

Fortunately for us, the beginnings of universal design are getting more and more popular. It is now studied in courses in colleges and universities. The Center for Universal Design at the University of North Carolina proposes the following principles:

Equitable Use: the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

• Flexibility in Use: the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

• Simple and Intuitive: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

• Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

• Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

• Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

• Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user's body size, posture or mobility.

It is true that universal design has come a long way in the last 50 years. I think we should all strive to make universal design more than just an inclusion issue. I hope that one day it will be fundamental to the design of everything around us.

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