Unleashing the Potential of People through Universal Design

Unleashing the Potential of People through

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

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TRULY INCLUSIVE SPACES

THAT ARE MORE ACCESSIBLE AND SAFER

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OVERVIEW Organizations face numerous challenges when planning for the diverse needs of people who utilize their campuses and buildings. With newly expanded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments and a greater eye towards health and safety, today’s dedication goes beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which mandates equal access for all. Today, companies are holding themselves to a higher standard and are now demanding equity for all.

As leaders, we must consider a people-first approach not only when it comes to hiring, policies, and procedures, but also to the spaces we inhabit. Universal Design (UD) is dedicated to designing spaces where everyone is given what they need to succeed. Universal Design dares us to look further than differences in physical abilities or disabilities to create an environment designed with everyone in mind. In short, Universal Design has the potential to make daily and work-life healthier, more productive, and friendlier–all while requiring continuous improvement toward the ultimate goal of full inclusion.

Companies and organizations implementing Universal Design strategies in their spaces ultimately see it as a benefit and return on investment. Leadership within the public and private sector today are recognizing the importance of designing for diversity in creating inclusive places. They also realize a skillfully designed environment allows individuals and teams to flourish by eliminating physical and social barriers. Finally, Universal Design improves safety measures by minimizing hazards that lead to accidents, lost productivity, and related expenses.

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Mike is a licensed architect in 20 states, principal of Progressive AE, and leads the Universal Design consulting practice. Mike serves on the Board of Directors of the Global Universal Design Commission, and he frequently writes and presents on the topic of Universal Design in the built environment.

He has led Universal Design discussions at major universities and presented at international conferences including Disability IN and the Zero Project in Vienna. He helps organizations live their MICHAEL PERRY values by creating truly inclusive environments AIA, DIAD, LEED AP across their global footprint.

Jessica is an interior designer and Universal Design consultant whose human-centered, inclusive, and intuitive design practices ensure her designs are not only visually appealing but supportive of diverse physical and cognitive abilities.

JESSICA GRIFFIS NCIDQ, IIDA, CDT

Specializing in UD applications that support more than physical disabilities, Jessica employs thoughtful space planning, wayfinding strategies, and the selection of appropriate lighting, finishes, fixtures, and furniture to create environments that are inspiring, functional, inclusive, and healthier for all who occupy the space.

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PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS While each organization we work with is different and unique in their spaces, needs, and goals, there are some common steps we take when beginning our Universal Design consulting journey.

In order to work towards greater inclusivity and safety within the built environment we: • Lead stakeholder educational sessions to build consensus on “What is Universal Design?”

• Engage stakeholders to learn about their specific needs, goals, and DEI commitments.

• Develop success measures and validate post-occupancy.

• Assess environments and provide observations and recommendations against our proprietary Universal Design tools to improve inclusion, accessibility, and safety.

• Identify strategies as priorities through filters of positive impact to users and cost.

• Work alongside the design team to review design details, color schemes, and product specifications for the project.

• Assist in pursuing certification from the Global Universal Design Commission if client desires.

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ROCK HILL MIRACLE PARK The community of Rock Hill South Carolina always had robust programming for community members of all abilities. The City provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in activities including bocce, cooking classes, disc golf, and kayaking, just to name a few. The City’s strategic goals also include providing at least two cycling events for disabled individuals, and a summer camp for those with intellectual disabilities through the Parks and Recreation department.

Though proud of this work, the City felt there needed to be a physical space dedicated to those of all ability levels. The City was approached by residents and representatives from Max Abilities, a local nonprofit board supporting individuals with disabilities, about building a field as part of the Miracle League. Through a collaborative effort with community partners, families, recipients of services through Max Abilities, and supporters, the vision evolved to build Miracle Park, an all-inclusive experience that would give residents of all different abilities an opportunity to play and work locally.

The 15-acre park includes two miracle baseball fields, two multipurpose fields, a fully inclusive playground with a national site certification for inclusive play, walking paths, shelters, golf area, fishing pond, and a café and retail component.

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The concepts for the retail space and employment opportunities throughout the park are some of its most exciting and innovative elements. Statistics indicate that nationally, only 34% of people with cognitive or developmental disabilities are employed. However, only 26% of these employed adults have full-time jobs. Of those, only a third are offered health insurance by their employer, and recent statistics shows unemployment rate among people with cognitive or developmental disabilities is more than twice as high as for the general population. Miracle Park is passionate about changing statistics in the community through their employment program–offering jobs to community members of all abilities such as scoreboard operators, grounds maintenance, trash collection, and retail store clerks.

In effort to create the most inclusive environment possible, the Miracle Park executive team engaged Progressive AE during the initial design phase to provide a Universal Design assessment and consulting services to guide the park’s design and construction. Their goal was to create the most inclusive park in the world, catering to all people regardless of their ability.

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IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS ARE REMOVED–AN ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED WITH EVERYONE IN MIND WITH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF FULL INCLUSION. MIRACLE PARK IS THE FIRST ATHLETIC PARK OF THIS KIND TO BE CERTIFIED IN THE WORLD!

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Rock Hill’s non-profits are successful because of our generous donors in our community like Progressive AE! I have recognized their support and involvement throughout our community the past couple years at Miracle Park and other events showing they love our community! My practice is to support businesses that support our community so I hope you will consider using Progressive AE! Come visit Miracle Park and see the Universal Design elements they put in place anytime. They guided us to be the first gold Universal Design Certified park in the world!

Alice Davis Director of Foundation and Community Support, Williams and Fudge Corporation and Miracle Park Board Member

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We are thrilled with our new office space at Syracuse University Dineen Hall that reflects our core mission of inclusion of all. Progressive AE was a great partner with providing Universal Design leadership!

Dr. Peter Blanck Chairman of Burton Blatt Institute and University Professor

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BURTON BLATT INSTITUTE The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University advances the full inclusion of people with disabilities, creating innovative solutions to the challenges they face. When they were preparing to renovate a space in Dineen Hall, Progressive AE was brought on board to work with the architect and university to leverage our expertise in Universal Design best practices.

Leadership from Syracuse University and BBI were open to exploring Universal Design strategies creating more inclusive, accessible and safer design solutions. It was important to all parties to build on the legacy of Burton Blatt, former Dean of Syracuse University’s School of Education and a pioneering disability rights scholar, to better the lives of people with disabilities. Embracing Universal Design promotes best practices to support the users of the new BBI home and its founder’s pioneering spirit.

TO ADVANCE THE CIVIC, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY. - BBI MISSION

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Mike was knowledgeable, collaborative, and patient as he partnered with us on a recent building project. He provided expert insight on Universal Design while really helping us think through the most impactful improvements to prioritize. This foundation of UD knowledge will continue to be helpful to us as we work toward a more accessible and safe workplace.

Alyssa Ryanjoy Senior Manager, Hybrid Experience, TruStage

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TRUSTAGE In 2022, TruStage (previously CUNA Mutual Group) hired Progressive AE when seeking to understand requirements for Universal Design certification of a 5-story building under construction. TruStage believes a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, no matter where they’re starting from.

TruStage’s leadership understands the importance of removing physical and social barriers as their workforce comes from diverse backgrounds and abilities. We started with one of their key values “TruStage believes greatness can come from anywhere and anyone, so embrace the diversity of people and ideas, and listen openly.” Embracing Universal Design promotes best practices to support this promise.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.

Photo by Darris Harris

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Universal design is a continuous improvement journey, not a sprint. As you journey and learn more look for the opportunities to bring others along to create the inclusive work environment where everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive.

Don Watson Senior Vice President, Global Real Estate and Facilities, Oracle

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ORACLE The global real estate and facilities team at Oracle is on a journey to ensure all employees are able to bring their full selves to work and thrive. They hired Progressive AE to help conduct a Universal Design audit to assess their newly built Austin, TX headquarters, and apply the findings to campuses across their global footprint.

During our engagement with Oracle, the team found that even small design choices could make a big difference in the quality of workspace for the company’s diverse employee population. The team identified and implemented low and no-cost strategies to make campuses safer and friendlier for all.

PROVIDING INVITING, INCLUSIVE, COLLABORATIVE AND TECHNOLOGY ENRICHED WORK ENVIRONMENTS WHERE EVERYONE CAN THRIVE. - REAL ESTATE & FACILITIES TEAM MISSION

Photo by Casey Gunn

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For years the Gerald R. Ford International Airport has taken pride in providing facilities that are easy to use and accessible to all. Recently Progressive AE has helped airport staff give this guiding principal a voice via Universal Design. We now have staff members, design partners, and guest-facing tenants discussing equitable use on a regular basis – both in design and during routine operations.

Casey Ries, PE Engineering & Planning Director

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GERALD R. FORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The Gerald R. Ford International airport is dedicated to “providing facilities that are easy to navigate and accessible to all.” The Airport Authority wanted to understand the state of accessibility at the current airport and apply these findings to future facility renovations. Progressive AE created a traveler’s journey map assessing site entry, parking lots, site amenities, main terminal, and gate areas as experienced by passengers. Embracing Universal Design promotes best practices to support this promise.

The Airport Authorities leadership understands the importance of removing physical and social barriers to create a safer experience as passengers and staff come from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

As a leader with DEI initiatives, the Airport Authority is investing in their site and facilities promoting meaningful accessibility for all.

TO CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FOR OUR PASSENGERS.

© Gerald R. Ford International Airport

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Our relationship with Michael Perry and the idea that we could create a place for everyone, has been one of the sweetest experiences in building our new farm. Never would we ever be capable on our own of the proper awareness and thoroughness that Mike brought to the table. Our goal of welcoming every person, no matter what their abilities, so they could fully enjoy the farm experience has been realized because of Mike’s expertise and his willingness to share.

Mary Rottschafer Executive Director, Critter Barn

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CRITTER BARN The Critter Barn is an educational farm in Zeeland, MI that raises animals and serves as a popular destination for local families and school groups. Citing a study from Annerstedt & Wahrborg, 2011, executive director Mary Rottschafer explained, “Humananimal interactions improve intellectual and social outcomes in youth including their capacity for directed attention, increased problem-solving, communication, and behavioral management.” Since 2014, the Barn’s site and building plans have included accessibility as a high priority, in order to reach all children no matter their background or ability.

During a recent expansion project, The Critter Barn partnered with Progressive AE to complete a UD assessment while conducting research with disability advocate groups and the community. “By combining the benefits of Universal Design at our new farm, along with a resource room, sidewalks everywhere, adaptive equipment, and inclusive playground equipment, Critter Barn is creating a first-of-its-kind facility,” said Rottschafer.

DEDICATED TO TEACHING ABOUT FARMING AND AGRICULTURE WHILE INSPIRING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, AND ALL ABILITIES, THROUGH THE MIRACLES IN NATURE FOUND AT THE FARM.

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We want to live our values. We learned a lot about Universal Design and the process we embarked upon was especially rewarding.

Cara Pelletier Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, UKG

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UKG UKG, formerly Ultimate Software, brought us on board on two separate occasions for Universal Design assessments at campuses in Westin, Florida and Lowell, Massachusetts. Both locations had not been renovated in many years and barriers were beginning to emerge with employees and visitors. DEI & belonging at UKG focuses on building an inclusive environment where differences are respected, and the innovative spirit is unlocked.

UKG leadership understands the importance of removing physical and social barriers as their workforce comes from diverse backgrounds and abilities. We started with UKG’s mission, “At UKG, we are committed to putting all people first. We believe businesses succeed when all individuals are respected, all voices are heard, and all employees have the support and resources necessary to thrive as professionals and people.”

Embracing Universal Design promotes inclusive design best practices in the built environment to support this promise.

OUR PURPOSE IS PEOPLE.

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MARY FREE BED YMCA The Mary Free Bed YMCA is a 36-acre, LEED-certified community centerpiece that supports children, adults and families with unbridled ease of access to healthy living. The revolutionary facility was designed with everyone in mind using the principles of Universal Design. In 2015, the project received the world’s first Global Universal Design Certification from the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC).

The facility gives individuals with disabilities a place to exercise and connect. With fields and courts designed specifically for their needs, local wheelchair and adaptive sports teams have grown their programs. With special considerations to space and wayfinding, the facility is easy to navigate and accessible.

DEDICATED TO GIVING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, BACKGROUNDS AND WALKS OF LIFE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL WITH DIGNITY.

© Mary Free Bed YMCA

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Built in 1980, the Southeast YMCA was the oldest and smallest branch of YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ multiple locations. Constructed before the Americans with Disabilities Act was adopted into common practice in 1990, the facility’s design, size and age were becoming barriers to attracting and retaining members.

Leadership at the YMCA saw an opportunity to replace the location with something new, something that would require out-of-the-box thinking and, in the end, would be a true reflection of the YMCA’s commitment to community and inclusion.

With a lead donation from the Mary Free Bed Guild, the YMCA partnered with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, a national leader in rehab medicine and local hub for the adaptive sports community. Working with Progressive AE’s design team, stakeholders sat down to develop a new standard in wellness, one that would invite people of all abilities to experience fully accessible and universally designed health and wellness.

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The new YMCA features an open concept floor plan allowing users to view the entire facility as soon as they enter the front door. This helps visitors orient themselves and navigate around the facility. The open concept also allows natural light from the building’s large windows to permeate the two levels.

Typically, vertical circulation is done using an “us and them” solution – mainly stairs for the able-bodied and a ramp or elevator for everyone else. With the goal of bringing equality to everyone’s experience at the YMCA, the design team decided not to include stairs anywhere in the facility. In fact, there are zero stairs throughout the entire 36-acre campus. Instead, an oversized ramp serves as the main form of circulation within the YMCA. The oversized width, midway landing platform, and specially chosen slip-resistant surface ensures the ramp is usable by nearly everyone.

Colors can play a large role in conveying information about a person’s surroundings.

At the YMCA, colors were carefully selected to help people navigate and interpret their surroundings. For example, the bright and contrasting track lanes can help those with visual impairments better see, and stay in, their lane.

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What makes it so wonderful is that people with disabilities can come here and improve their quality of life just like somebody without a disability.

[Progressive AE] interacted and asked the questions of people with disabilities to see what would work. It just makes our athletes feel empowered, it makes them feel confident that they have a place that they can play just like anyone else.

Maria Besta Manager, Recreational Therapy and Adaptive Sports, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

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© Mary Free Bed YMCA

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