The United Kingdom Institute for Inclusive Design (UKiiD) was established in February 1995. It was founded as the British network of the European Institute for Design and Disability. It brings together design professionals and disabled users who are committed to raising the profile and standard of inclusive design in every aspect of our lives; the built environment, transport, products and communication facilities.
Promotes design for all people whatever their ability.
Provides information on all aspects of disability and design across Europe.
Publishes a newsletter covering trends, activities and legislation - UKiiD Ideas.
Facilitates on line debates between members on a range of topical issues.
Disseminates information about projects.
Identifies and distributes information on sources of relevant product approval, compliance processes and assessment.
Is a registered charity (1063028/0) that, to operate, depends upon members' subscriptions.
The design establishment has traditionally catered only for the perceived majority of so called 'normal' users. But who is 'normal'? The vast majority of us suffer at least temporary disability at some point in our lives (an injury or debilitating illness) the majority of us will grow old, we are tall, short, fat, thin and we have children that affect our needs and influence our demands. The 'normal' building users; fit, non-disabled, single young men, of average weight and height, are in fact the minority. We might call the approach 'Exclusive Design'.
Coinciding with the emergence of the welfare culture, some designers were attracted to the niche-market of specialist design: special adaptations in special places for 'special' people.
Now a growing body of opinion considers that approach, to be inappropriate because ultimately it perpetuates the stigmatisation and isolation of disabled people.
If we are to realise a future in which disabled people participate fully in mainstream activities and enjoy equality of opportunity in education, in employment, at home and at leisure it is first necessary to break down the barriers between 'regular' and 'specialised' design and create a new Inclusive Design language.
The guiding principle of Inclusive Design is that all design; landscape, engineering, architectural, product or process, should respond to the greatest diversity of human need possible. While it is acknowledged that it is impossible to design any environment to the exact specifications of every group, much less every individual, it is perfectly possible to design-out known barriers and design-in a high degree of flexibility.
Research and development work over the last 30 or 40 years has produced design criteria and guidance on how those criteria might be met. They have been developed with the needs of disabled people in mind: those with mobility impairments, sight or hearing loss and those with learning difficulties and/or mental health problems. They attempt to eliminate or at least minimize the barriers that confront all building, product or facility users without, in the process, introducing new difficulties. In practice, where the guidance is followed, the accessibility and comfort of the environment will be enhanced for all users.
UkiiD believes and is committed to promoting the principle that: Inclusion is fundamental to the entire design process.