Many on the Missouri State University campus are interested in incorporating universal design (UD) in everything we do.  The department of Residence Life and Services is taking the lead in this paradigm shift.  UD is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.  It is the reframing of how we think about and perceive disability.  Rather than waiting for someone with a disability to request an accommodation and then take time and money to provide what is minimally required, we should expect and proactively plan for people with disabilities to be included in our programs and learning environments.  This philosophy shows that it is not the person with the disability who has limitations, but perhaps it is the design of our programs, policies, procedures and our learning environments that have limitations.  While UD is very beneficial for people with disabilities, we find that it is more inclusive for all users and is less costly than the old way of doing things (accommodating people through expensive retrofits).  Below are a few ways in which Residence Life and Services is promoting UD:

• The training of their staff and the Residence Hall Association (RHA).  Angela Shirley, Coordinator of Leadership Development and Programming, provides a training module entitled “How Accessible Are We?”.  The exercises lead staff to think about the following:  Is the activity accessible?  What barriers might we encounter with this activity?  What things might we do to overcome possible barriers?  If it the activity is accessible, how might we enhance the accessibility of the program?  Shirley reports that this line of thinking has been very helpful in problem solving situations prior to them occurring and has lead to the more inclusive design of their programs.
• Recognizing that UD features can benefit all users and the environment.  One example of this is their move to provide front loading washing machines.  With front loading machines, people who use wheel chairs or people of short stature can do their laundry independently.  These machines are much easier to load and unload and the controls for the machine are reachable to everyone.  Many of the machines have Braille labels on the controls so people who are blind or visually impaired can use them, too.  The front loading machines are a benefit to the environment because they use significantly less water than other machines.  A second example would be the Occupancy Sensors that were obtained through a grant by Jennifer Cox, Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations.  This lighting design detects motion so the lights are only on when needed.  This design is great for people who may have limitations with their hands or the inability to reach to turn lights off and on.  It also saves on utility expenses and is sustainable.
• Considering UD in their procurement process.  They have thought about UD prior to making large purchases.  One example is the purchase of the new copy machine in the Programming Resource Center.  They made the most inclusive purchase possible.  Their copy machine has an adjustable panel so that a wheelchair user, someone of short stature, or anyone of any height should be able to comfortably use the copier.  In addition, the control panel has a feature so that it displays the options in enlarged print.  This way people with differing visual abilities can also use the copier with ease.   They have made also made commitment to consider UD in the future procurement of modular furniture (furniture that can easily be rearranged and adapted easily can meet the needs of everyone).  For people with disabilities, it can make a tremendous difference in how they utilize their personal space and they can make the room more accessible to meet their needs.  Angela Shirley reported that she believed UD was really for everyone and that the concepts really fit the Millennial generation.  She reported that it is important to Millennials to create a living area that is their own, that represents them and their needs. Through UD concepts and making the environment as adaptable as possible they have more freedom to create a living area that best reflects them and their needs.
• Incorporating UD in future building projects.   Residence Life and Services is including UD concepts in the designs of future building projects.  UD has been and will continue to be a part of requirements for the request for proposals when putting projects out for bid. 

The staff of Residence Life and Services did not have to implement the points noted above in their service provision.  However, they choose to go beyond what is minimally required by law for people with disabilities.  They choose to proactively consider all users and sustainability when making purchases and designing their programs.  Their staff recognizes that UD is a way to enhance their programs and services by meeting the needs of all students; creating equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments.

Submitted by Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Director of Disability Services

 

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