Physical Access and Way Finding at UWA:  a practical expression of Universal Design
Barbara Levit & Deborah Allen (University of Western Australia)

Definition of Universal Design
Enduring design approach, covers the broad range of human ability
Starts at the very beginning of the design process
Increase useability of a product without increasing its cost

Greater than strict adherence to access standards is measured by usability, not rated against a standard
http://www.udeducation.org 
The Universal Design Education Online Web Site : © 2002-2004 (Center for Universal Design, N.C. State University; IDEA Center, University at Buffalo; Global Universal Design Educator's Network)

Historical Development
1991	1st Disability Officer employed at UWA
1992	Disability Discrimination Act (Commonwealth)
1993	Disability Services Act (WA)

Growth and development of the Disability Office as staff continued to champion
equitable access to teaching and learning as well as to the built environment
 
Clear lines of communication not yet established with the Facilities Management Office

1997	UWA Access Audit, first attempt to highlight obstacles over the entire campus
Minor Works Funding 
OFM Disability Account

2000	Request from the Disability and Safety and Health Offices to attend Planning and Design meetings

2001	Attend Planning and Design Meetings
The fundamental principles of the DDA and of Universal Design aim to promote equity, dignity and independence.  Strict adherence to the regulations during the design phase, does not always correspond with alignment to these principles.  

2003	Way Finding at UWA

2004	Physical Access and Way Finding start to take shape		
Senior Management formed a Steering Committee

2005	Physical Access and Way Finding at UWA
A shaky start

2006	PAWF  Project
Physical Access and Way Finding at UWA
Revised plan – 2 phases to proceed simultaneously
Major access route concept articulated
Ongoing for the life of UWA

Are we there yet?  Slide depicting graphic of students ascending a steep winding staircase.

You said a ramp didn’t you? Slide depicting graphic of an inaccessible ramp over a path leading directly onto stairs in a garden setting.

Positives:
Online Obstacle Report
Representation on Project Coordination Meetings
Meetings with the Landscape Architect 
Ongoing consultation
Disability Access and Inclusion Action Plan 2006-2011
“In addition, implementation of the Plan will enable the University to take clear steps toward furthering its commitments to continuous improvement, 
universal design and the philosophy of ‘mainstreaming’.”

Working against us:
Perception that access issues only applied to an extremely small percentage of users
Perception that good design is more expensive
Access ‘add ons’ instead of Universal Design
Inadequately informed customers
Communication ‘black holes’

Working for us:
Curiosity
Vigilance, observation
Remaining ‘in the loop’ 
Maintaining a high profile 
Knowledge of Physical Access 
Inclusiveness 
Networking 
Direct action 
Knowledge of university budgetary processes
Assertiveness
Tenacity 
Commitment

The future:
More questioning
More agitating
PAWF Project 
Manual for Faculty Administrators
Ensuring that the DAIAP implementation embraces ‘Universal Design’