The International Union of Architects are inviting submissions for a 21st century symbol of accessibility. The competition is being held jointly with Rehabilitation International who devised the existing symbol many years ago. They are seeking designs that represent values of rights and inclusion, independence and accessibility for all, including people with disability. Note that the context is the built environment. The competition closes 25 March 2022. More information is in the Ergonomics in Design for All newsletter.
The newsletter also has a feature on the role of an access consultant. Once again, the advice is to engage a consultant at the inception of the project. The section on designing inclusively summarises the process as:
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- A brief should be developed which reflects the performance standards agreed and the long-term inclusion goals.
- Ensure the suitability of the design team, including an Access Consultant from the start.
- In addition, identify and confirm the sequence and proposed timing of approvals and relevant design criteria.
- Ensure that inclusion is an item on every Design Team meeting agenda.
- Design reviews should be undertaken at all stages of any development.
- Complete close out reports which highlight decisions agreed and outstanding matters for the next stage.
- A close out report at the end of the project.
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The United Nations will soon publish an updated Good Practices of Accessible Urban Development. The publication has case studies of practice and policy in housing and built environment, transportation, public spaces and public services. The 2016 version is available on the UN website.