Universal Design:
Enhancing Interpretive Programs for All Visitors

The purpose:

In parks and nature centers..."Universal design means taking into consideration the needs of as many people as possible, then incorporating those needs into nature trails, visitor centers, and interpretive displays.“
--Carol Hunter, Everyone's Nature

Universal Design Benefits…

Not only visitors with disabilities but…

• International visitors
  • Including those for whom English is a second language
• Children
• Seniors
• All visitors since learning styles vary

Traditional Approach

Universal Design Approach

The principles:

• Equitable Use
• Flexibility in Use
• Simple and Intuitive Use
• Perceptible Information
• Tolerance for Error
• Low Physical Effort
• Size and Space for Approach and Use

North Carolina State University, Center for Universal Design

Program Access vs. Universal Design

The paradigm:

Viewing disability as…"the systemic mismatch between physical and mental attributes of individuals and the present (but not the potential) ability of social institutions to accommodate these attributes." Schriner & Scotch, 2001

Some statistics…

• 20% of the total US population has a disability
• Among people between 55 and 64, about a third have a disability.
• Among 65 to 79 year olds, 47% (almost half) have a disability.

Visitors with Disabilities

• Visitors who are blind or have low vision
• Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Visitors who are deaf-blind
• Visitors with health-related disabilities
• Visitors with learning disabilities
• Visitors with disabilities that limit mobility
• Visitors with mental illness
• Visitors with mental retardation
• Visitors with speech-related disabilities

Getting Information

• Diversify, diversify, diversify
• Emphasize accessibility and usability in web design
• Use the Web to increase access to brochures and other materials
• Include access statements on promotional materials
  • Sample statement: “_______ welcomes all visitors to our programs and facilities. For information about accessibility of programs, trails or facilities, or to request accommodations for a disability, please contact _______________.”
• Provide accessibility guides
• Provide directions to your site – include maps and text directions

Getting oriented

• Well-prepared staff
• Clearly marked accessible routes
• Perceptible information
• Logical, intuitive flow
• Accessible signage and maps
• Use of symbols

Getting around

• Accessible facilities and trails don't always stay accessible
• Understanding the rationale behind the guidelines
• Smooth surfaces
• Accessible routes
• Cane-detectable objects (Protruding objects! Tree limbs!)

Brochures

Universal Design

• Brochures in HTML & PDF on website.
• Most popular brochures in alternate formats.
• Files organized on computer for easy retrieval.
• Statement about obtaining alternate formats.
o Sample statement: To obtain alternate formats—Braille, large print, audiotape, diskette, or CD—of this brochure/publication, contact __________. It is also available on our website in HMTL and PDF formats at: www.yoursite.com.
Accommodations

• Provide brochures in alternate formats—Braille, large print, or on CD, diskette or audiotape--upon request.

Exhibits – Physical Access

Universal Design

• Accessible routes
• Avoid protruding objects
• Height of displays
• Good lighting
• Space for maneuver and approach Accommodations

• Provide access to all experiences that cannot be made physically accessible.

Exhibits – Effective Communication

Universal Design

• Clear, concise text
• Good contrast and readable fonts
• Alternatives for accessing information—audio tours, audio buttons, exhibit guides
• Levels of engagement Accommodations

• Provide access to all information in alternate formats upon request.

Exhibits – Interactivity

Universal Design

• Multiple means of engagement
o Sound, Sight, Touch, Action
• Reachable and easily manipulated controls, handles and buttons
Accommodations

• Provide alternate access to all activities that are not accessible

Exhibits – Wayfinding

Universal Design

• Logical, intuitive layout
• Raised numbers at stations to cue those following exhibit guide or listening to audio tour of exhibits
• Wayfinding helps built into exhibit design Accommodations

• Provide a guide to assist with direction through the exhibit area or museum.

Self-Guided Trails

Universal Design

• Orientation information
o Trail difficulty, accessibility, maps and text descriptions
• Wayside stations
o Height, text, content
• Brochures Accommodations

• Provide brochures in alternate formats upon request.
• Provide wayside station content in alternate formats upon request.

Video/Slide Presentations

Universal Design

• Captions
o Closed
o Open
• Audio description Accommodations

• Provide preferential seating for visitors with low vision or those who rely on captions
• Be prepared to provide script in alternate formats upon request

Presentation Software

Universal Design

• Design so that text is visible in outline view
• Follow rules of contrast and font usage
o Dark text on light background
o Sans serif or simple
o 28 or larger Accommodations

• Provide content in alternate formats upon request
• Outline view can be cut and pasted into a text document
• If images are critical to content, describe or paste into document.

Talks and Guided Walks

Universal Design

• Accommodate a variety of learning styles
• Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, cognitive postures
• Print alternatives and resources for later review
• Consider amplification Accommodations

• Provide handouts in alternate formats upon request.
• Provide sign language or oral interpreters or assistive listening devices upon request.
• Provide video of trail hike in visitor center.

Contact Information

Melanie Thornton
P.O. Box 194
Roland, AR 72135

(501) 330-2702 (voice/tty)
melanie.thornton@mapleseedenterprises.com

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