The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
The R. L. Mace Universal Design Institute, founded in 1997, is based in North Carolina and is dedicated to promoting the concept and practice of accessible and universal design. The Institute's work manifests the belief that all new environments and products, to the greatest extent possible, should and can be usable by everyone regardless of age, ability, or circumstance. The Institute advances the concept of universal design in all design disciplines, including housing, public-use buildings, outdoor and urban environments and related products.
The Institute's staff has a wealth of expertise in universal design and accessibility codes and standards with an emphasis on human function, architecture, and planning. The Institute has developed technical and policy documents and a wide range of graphic and multimedia materials to explain technical specifications in context of the environment. The Institute has a history of collaborative, multidisciplinary work: research, plan review; development of new plans, survey instruments, photo documentaries, product designs, state agency policies, demonstration houses, educational programs, and contributing to federal and state legislation.
The Ronald L. Mace Universal Design Institute’s mission is to advance and promote universal design so that the built environment is safe and usable by everyone regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
