Universal Design: Simplified | Chapter 13
Making real change takes time, patience, and persistence.Making real change takes time, patience, and persistence, which is not what we’re used to these days. It’s just easier to do things the way(s) we’ve always done them, and sometimes we do things and we don’t know why.
Making changes to mainstream thought processes is hard, but essential. This is how new things are discovered and thoughts are altered. It’s priceless when it affects the lives of people we love.
- Let’s create a change in our culture’s thinking to encourage more problem solving that can positively impact the lives of individuals dealing with disabilities, visible and invisible, so those people (whether you’re one or not) can feel value in society.
- Let’s create environments that allow people to learn, interact, and grow within the walls of your program, building, or organization.
- Let’s open doors for individuals who were once not able to interact and communicate with others because of “differences.”
- Let’s increase independence and quality of life for our friends and family and motivates us to become more understanding of those that are different than ourselves.
We’re changing our culture, bit by bit. Changing culture isn’t instantaneous by any means. It’s like our new years resolutions: if we try and change too many things at once, it’ll be overwhelming and we’ll eventually shrug it off.
We personally like to conquer one thing before beginning another, to avoid unnecessary stress. If you envisioning all the different things you can change with your business/organization, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you along the way.
If we try and change too many things at once, it’ll be overwhelming and we’ll eventually shrug it off.Maybe the introduction of one new concept to your staff each week could create a culture change within the workings of your business over time. Maybe altering your logo, marketing materials, or website for increased usability and user-friendliness can make a difference. Creating a barrier free entrance for your building would allow more people with physical limitations to easily enter. Preparing for an individual to communicate via sign language during meetings or conferences will open the audience to more participants. Having a large-print menu on hand for those with difficulty seeing, and adding more food options to accommodate those with food allergies, will welcome more visitors to use your restaurant at
ease.
You and your business or organization can play a part. It starts by recognizing what this means and how all-encompassing these concepts of universal design really are.
The possibilities are nearly endless.