Universal Design Series: Voting Preparation
This blog was written by IPA member Joni Schmalzried of the AWS Foundation
Introduction
In July I wrote an article titled ‘Accessibility + Inclusion = Universal Design.’ I want to thank everyone who really thought about the concept and responded with a call, an email, or even a potential request for funding. Since Universal Design is an important concept that impacts so much of what we do, we have decided to regularly include it in our newsletter.
I've been thinking about the importance of voting and encouraging ALL who are eligible to take advantage of that right and responsibility. At first blush – most people think about the actual act of voting (which is critically important, of course). Universal Design around voting access includes more - getting to/from and into a polling location, being able to access and navigate a ballot, language support if needed, providing screen readers, etc. These are all things that can be pre-conceived and prepared in advance, designed to meet the needs of those who choose to vote.
Another, equally important, aspect of Universal Design and voting is how individuals access the knowledge needed to make an informed decision at the polls. You can give me a physically universally designed space, but if I haven’t been given access to information – does that really help? We know that people with disabilities were three times more likely to face barriers to voting in 2022 (Nonprofit Vote). This may have been barriers to physical access or barriers to preparing to cast a ballot.
November will soon be upon us, but all of these Universally Designed educational ideas apply to almost any topic:
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Hosting a webinar on voting information? Be sure to turn on captioning.
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Posting an image to social media? Be sure to use the “alt tag” features. Free online tools also exist to help simplify language or check for color contrast to ensure readability.
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QR codes can also be an interactive way to engage people, but always include the link in case a device can’t scan the QR code.
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Visiting a polling location (or any site for that matter) in advance can help to get a feel for the location and identify any areas of concern.
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Presenting clear and understandable information like key dates, voting locations, transportation options, etc. is essential. Providing reminders of key dates can further make voting more accessible.
The goal of Universal Design (educationally) is to ensure information can be accessed and understood by any person, regardless of physical or intellectual ability. This communicates in a way that everyone’s voice and experience are seen, heard, and valued.
Accessibility + Inclusion = Universal Design
Patti’s article in this issue addressed ADA and what ‘upgrades’ are certainly needed after 34 years. The natural progression of ADA, as she pointed out, is Universal Design. If you haven’t been following the UD bandwagon these days – the goal of Universal Design is to ‘design spaces, places, and events so they can be accessed, understood and used by ALL people.’
Universal Design was coined by an architect (Ronald Mace – 1997) who wanted to focus on accessible housing with a ‘universal’ design. He championed accessible building codes and standards in the US based on an all-inclusive philosophy of barrier free design.
Universal Design has become part of everyday language in the last few years, and not just architecturally. Universal Design applies to education, websites, events, and programs. The Foundation has included it as one of our guiding principles (ADA standards are the law and the minimum. Exceeding that through the principles of Universal Design is desirable).
As community members, businesses, and grantees consider Universal Design, an important distinction needs to be made and thoughtfully considered.
Accessibility (ADA) gets a person ‘to’ or ‘into’ a place/event/activity.
Inclusion philosophically supports the person participating in that place/event/activity.
Universal Design prepares the place (to be accessible and inclusive) before a person ever gets there.
We will be talking more about Universal Design in upcoming issues. For now, though, here are just a few of the spaces and places that have been working to build a Universally Designed experience in our communities.
Fort Wayne International Airport (cane trail, hearing loops, signage, sunflower lanyard project, training, and more)Photo of a fidget board shaped like an airplane.
Photo of a fidget board shaped like an airplane at Fort Wayne Airport.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (family bathrooms, quiet spaces, exhibits specifically designed to be accessed by all)
- Downtown Fort Wayne (audible crosswalks)
- Jackson-Lehman Y (equipment distanced to allow mobility devices and other space needs)
- Taste of the Arts Festival (stages accessible to performers and audience, transportation for those who can’t get to the location they want to visit)
- AWSF Building (flexible seating, zero thresholds, pinch proof door hinges, adult changing table)
- Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. (making sure a microphone is always used, having caterers keep food on all one level, commitment to regular education of businesses)
- Inclusive/Universally Designed parks all over the region (Drover Park in Huntington, Winona Lake Limitless Park, Whicker Park in Bluffton, Boone Park in Fort Wayne, to name a few).
- Honeywell Center and Eagles Theater in Wabash (sensory bags available at all events, family bathrooms
We aren’t excluding those of you not mentioned – we just couldn’t fit everyone in the space we have available!
Why does Universal Design matter? Why make a distinction between the three important elements? As you participate in your own community, look around. What barriers do you see that could be made more accessible, more inclusive, and ultimately more universally designed? Stay tuned for more…
Photo of the bamboo play area at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo which is accessible to all.