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National Resource
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Description
The State University of New York's RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment uses a Knowledge-To-Action Model to advance accessibility and universal design (UD) in the four domains of the built environment: (1) housing, (2) commercial and public buildings, (3) community infrastructure, and (4) transportation.
Services Provided
Project R1 conducts evaluations of buildings and facilities in which UD features have been incorporated to assess their effectiveness in practice, strengthen the business case for universal design (UD), and provide evidence to support increased adoption of UD. Project R2 conducts human factors research on prevention of slips and falls, use of wayfinding apps, and cost-effective methods to evaluate UD products during the design process. Project DV1 develops software tools to improve the implementation of accessibility and UD standards, including an interface for UD certification. Project DV2 engages nine industry partners to create exemplar UD products and environments. Training activities increase knowledge and capacity about accessibility and UD for a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities and their advocates. The RERC offers continuing education for design professionals and service providers through conferences, online modules, and collaborations with partners already serving these audiences. Interdisciplinary graduate education opportunities build the expertise of the next generation of researchers and practitioners. To reach a broad audience, dissemination activities include a wide array of print and electronic media, all accessible from a web portal. Outreach includes participation in international, national, and local networks and events.