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This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on June 9, 2021 as part of the Plain Language Foundations Series. This webinar was hosted in partnership with special guests, Krescene Beck and Amy Foster, from the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance. Check out the notes below or access the webinar recording.
Key points
“Universal Design is design that’s usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”
-Ron Mace, architect and designer
As we adapt to a new hybrid future, how can we continue to develop environments and experiences that meet everyone’s needs?
About our guests, Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance
Vision: for self-advocates to work together to get the support we need and live the life we want in the community
Mission: to speak up for ourselves and each other while working together to make changes in our communities and Illinois
Universal design
Inclusive design of information, communication and environment
“Equal Time” design where everyone gets the same information, access, communication at the same time
Decreases fatigue
Increases performance and understanding
7 principles of universal design
1. Equitable use
The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize a group:
Provide the same means of use for all users (identical when possible; equivalent when not)
Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users
Make privacy, security, and safety equally available to all users
Make the design appealing to all users
2. Flexibility in use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities:
Provide choice in methods (you can unmute or use the chat to share during the Zoom meeting)
Accommodate right-handed or left-handed folx
Allow for adaptability to the user’s pace (you can watch the webinar at your preferred speed)
3. Simple, intuitive use:
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level:
Reduce any unnecessary complexity
Be consistent
Assume a wide range of literacy and language skills
Organize information clearly and prioritize most important information
Provide support and feedback during and after a task
4. Perceptible information:
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
Use different communication modes (listening, talking, reading, music, movement) to embrace different needs and different types of content
Provide adequate contrast between main ideas and secondary ideas along with headings to make content easy to skim
Maximize “legibility” (reading) of important information including using clear fonts, avoiding unclear background images behind text, examining how colors contrast, and making clickable links distinct
Used foundational techniques such as heading styles and alternative text so that everyone has access to the same details
5. Tolerance for error
The design minimizes the ability for the user to make accidental or unintended mistakes or errors.
Provide warnings of errors (a box that appears to remind you to include your zip code)
Provide fail safe features (for example, a website will not let you go to the next page if the information is incomplete)
Limit distractions for tasks that require effort
6. Low physical effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum fatigue.
Allow user to be comfortable (have
Minimize repetitive actions that can cause distress
Avoid sustained physical effort (standing as the only option for a long period of time)
7. Size and space for approach for use
Spaces and sizes of object work for people with varied needs regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
Provide a clear line of sight to important signs or messages for anyone seated or standing
Make it comfortable for any seated or standing user to reach to grab something (for example, a counter that is so high someone using a wheelchair can't reach a pen would be the opposite)
Accommodate different hand grip sizes
Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistants
“Look at the power of design to empower everyone!”
- Dan Formosa, Smart Design
Resources:
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design - National Disability Authority of Ireland
Conscious Language for Writers, Editors, Students, Professionals - Conscious Style Guide
Understood.org - resources to support folx with learning and thinking differences
Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.
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