Access to information during the COVID-19 pandemic became even more problematic for some users as everything went online. So what can UD, UDL and Accessibility do to help to combat ableism?
An article by John L. O’Neill discusses Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Design. In this context, the concept of Inclusive Design has a focus on the digital world. He covers the history of each, much of which will be known to UD followers.
O’Neill argues that all three can be combined in innovative ways to ensure access to information. This is logical because each has the same goal – inclusion. He uses a case study where he merges three concepts:
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- universal design principle of perceptible information,
- the tenet of multiple means of representation from Universal Design for Learning,
- adaptive systems from inclusive design.
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This perspective is titled of “Abilities Design”.
O’Neill claims ableism underpins barriers and that undoing ableism is not a form of charity. Legislation that requires access and accessibility does little to change ableist attitudes.
The title of the article is, Accessibility for All Abilities: How Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Inclusive Design Combat Inaccessibility and Ableism.
Editor’s Note: I am not sure that inventing another design category based on inclusion takes us any further forward. However, it is an example of how designers new to inclusive concepts can use existing frameworks to help their design process.
From the abstract
Discussions about accessibility surged at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. because people became more dependent on web information. This article explores different disability models to understand the oppression of people with disabilities.
The different principles and methods of Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Inclusive Design are combined in innovative ways to ensure that all citizens have access to information without barriers.