We believe that people should work on Universal Access on a
limited number of principles.
1.
Rights: That it
is the right of all citizens of Ireland to be able to use public services,
buildings, information etc., in an appropriate and user friendly format.
2.
Equitable Use: The
design is useful and marketable to all people
Guidelines:
- Provide
the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible;
equivalent when not.
- Avoid
segregating or stigmatising any users.
- Make
provisions for privacy, security, and safety equally available to all
users.
- Make
the design appealing to all users.
3.
Flexibility in Use: It
accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Guidelines:
- Provide
choice in methods of use.
- Accommodate
right or left handed access and use.
- Facilitate
the user's accuracy and precision.
- Provide
adaptability to the user's pace.
4.
Simple and Intuitive use:
Use is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current
concentration level.
Guidelines:
- Eliminate
unnecessary complexity.
- Be
consistent with user expectations and intuition.
- Accommodate
a wide range of literacy and language skills.
- Arrange
information consistent with its importance.
- Provide
effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
5.
Perceptible Information.
It communicates necessary information to the user, regardless of
ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Guidelines:
Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant
presentation of
- Maximise
"legibility" of essential information.
- Differentiate
elements in ways that can be described (ie., make it easy to give
instructions or directions).
- Provide
compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people
with disabilities.
6.
Tolerance for Error. It
minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended
actions.
Guidelines:
- Arrange
elements to minimise hazards and errors: most used elements, most
accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated or shielded.
- Provide
warnings of hazards
- Provide
fail safe features discourage unconscious action in tasks that require
vigilance.
7. Low
Physical Effort. The design can
be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
Guidelines:
- Allow
user to maintain a neutral body position.
- Use
reasonable operating forces.
- Minimise
repetitive actions.
- Minimise
sustained physical effort.
8.
Size and Space for Approach and use.
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach,
manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture or mobility.
Guidelines:
- Provide
a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing
user.
- Make
reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.
- Accommodate
variations in hand and grip size.
- Provide
adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
- Equality
of Opportunity. Unfortunately
the term equal opportunities has been almost totally used on the basis
of gender equality. However,
it is essential to see it in the broader term to ensure the inclusion of
disabled people.
These then are the Principles which I believe should be
included in looking at Universal Access.
But in which area's could Universal Access be included ?
This is something which I would like you to look at using the
guidelines above.
Include:
- Access
to services of all types ensuring the dignity of the individual.
- Access
to education.
- Access
to Employment.
- Access
to interpretation.
- Access
to Information Society.
- Access
to appropriate Welfare entitlements.
- Access
to cash payments to acknowledge the extra cost associated to being a
person with a disability.
- Access
to healthcare.
- Access
to aids and appliances, without delay and with no cost implications to
the individual.
- Access
to information delivered in an appropriate format.
- Access
to information delivered in an appropriate manner.
- Access
to independent advocacy services.
- Access
to the built environment.
- Access
to Public Transport in all its forms.
- Access
to Personal Assistants and enablers.
- Access
to housing, appropriate to the individuals needs and aspirations.
- Access
to residential or other care services.
- Access
to Day Care or Day Activity Centres if an individual so wishes.
- Access
to services delivered locally and within the persons own community.
These are just some of the area's that I would like you to
consider.
_______________
Jim Casey
C.E.O. of T.C.I.L.