IDEA Center | University at Buffalo

As part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, this week we’re highlighting the IDEA Center’s earlier work in innovative bathroom design. In 1997-98, Abir Mullick and Ed Steinfeld received a grant from NIDILRR to develop innovative ideas for bathrooms using Universal Design principles. The Universal Bathroom included modular wall and floor systems and movable fixtures. The project received design awards from the American Association on Aging and the Industrial Design Society of America. It was also featured in Metropolis and Popular Mechanics. University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning National Rehabilitation Information Center #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #AccessibleDesign #Accessibility #Research #AgingInPlace #DesignForAging #AccessibilityInnovation #HumanFactors #bathroomdesign

The IDEA Center was mentioned in the following piece from The New York Times, which sheds light on a critical safety issue we often overlook: the dangers posed by stairs. From design flaws to improper maintenance, these everyday structures can lead to serious injuries and fatalities if not addressed. This article serves as an important reminder to prioritize safety in the spaces we use daily. Whether through improved design standards, better maintenance, or raising awareness, we all have a role to play in preventing accidents. #StairSafety #PublicHealth #designMatters #accessibility #InclusiveDesign #universaldesign University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning University at Buffalo National Rehabilitation Information Center

Affordable Accessibility: Cost-Effective Assistive Devices for Townhomes and Row Houses. As part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, this week, we’re highlighting our research related to home modifications. In 2017, the IDEA Center teamed up with Home Innovation Research Labs on a HUD-sponsored project to explore innovative, cost-effective assistive devices aimed at improving accessibility in townhomes and row houses—without the need for major renovations. Our research focused on identifying affordable, low-effort technological adaptations and design modifications to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility-related disabilities. Three devices were evaluated: the FlexStep, StairSteady, and All-Push Door. These evaluations showed promising results in terms of usability and accessibility. However, there’s still a strong need for further innovation in low-cost assistive devices for the home to better support people with disabilities. Let's continue working toward more inclusive living spaces! Click the link to learn more about the Home Innovations Research: https://lnkd.in/eYxC6utn University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning National Rehabilitation Information Center U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #AccessibleDesign #Accessibility #Research #AgingInPlace #DesignForAging #AccessibilityInnovation #HumanFactors

?? Join us on November 20, 2024, for an insightful lecture by Edward Steinfeld, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Architecture and founder of the IDEA Center, known for his pioneering work in inclusive and universal design. As he prepares for retirement, Steinfeld will discuss the development and future of design practices focused on accessibility and equity in the built environment, as well as the future of the IDEA Center. ????? This hybrid event offers both in-person and virtual participation. ?? Location: 403 Hayes Hall, University at Buffalo ?? Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20 ?? Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM ?? Attend in person or via Zoom (registration required) More info and RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/e3pGa8CT University at Buffalo University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning National Rehabilitation Information Center #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #Inclusion #UBuffalo #UniversityAtBuffalo #UBuffaloArchPlan #Buffalo #Buffalove #Architecture #Design #Innovation

???? Promoting Accessibility and Universal Design in Transit! ???? As part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, this week we're highlighting the IDEA Center's commitment to inclusive transportation. Thanks to funding from NIDILRR, our team spent three years evaluating two wheelchair securement systems on real transit routes: the forward-facing Q’Pod and the semi-automated, rear-facing Quantum. By listening to feedback from wheelchair passengers and bus operators, we gained valuable insights that allowed us to share policy and design recommendations with key stakeholders in the transit industry ???? Click the link in the bio to learn more about our wheelchair securement research. https://lnkd.in/e2BNGKE2 #UniversalDesign #inclusivedesign #Accessibility #transit #transportation #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #WheeledMobility #InnovationForAll #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #UBuffalo #UniversityAtBuffalo #UBuffaloArchPlan #nidillr University at Buffalo IDEA Center | University at Buffalo National Rehabilitation Information Center | Q'STRAINT

???? Highlighting key IDEA Center milestones and accomplishments over the past 40 years! ?? A Landmark in Inclusive Hospitality! ?? The Hampton by Hilton in Amherst, NY made history in 2020 as the first isUD-certified hotel in the U.S. Developed by Uniland Development Company in partnership with the IDEA Center, this 107-room hotel was designed with inclusivity in mind, making it welcoming and accessible to guests, visitors, and staff of all abilities. ??? From unique amenities and guest rooms to thoughtful policies, this hotel goes above and beyond to create a comfortable environment for everyone. It’s more than just a place to stay—it's a place where everyone belongs. ?? Click the link to learn more about isUD. https://thisisud.com/ University at Buffalo University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning The American Institute of Architects (AIA) AIA Buffalo/WNY AIA New York State Uniland Development Company Hampton Inn by Hilton #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #Inclusion #UBuffalo #UniversityAtBuffalo #UBuffaloArchPlan #Buffalo #AmherstNY #Architecture #Innovation #equity #Hospitality #HamptonByHilton #Uniland

???? Highlighting key IDEA Center milestones and accomplishments over the past 40 years! ? Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility! ?? Originally funded by the U.S. Access Board and later NIDILRR, this pioneering project has built a comprehensive database on the size and abilities of over 500 wheeled mobility device users! ?? Since its launch in 2000, it’s become a vital resource for standards agencies, designers, and policymakers. The research has driven a powerful change, confirming the urgent need to update standards to meet the space requirements of modern wheeled mobility devices. ?? Together, we're shaping a more inclusive world for everyone! ?? Learn more about our Anthropometry Research: https://lnkd.in/e2AcixGN #AccessibilityMatters #UniversalDesign #Inclusion #WheeledMobility #InnovationForAll #InclusiveDesign #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #Inclusion #UBuffalo #UniversityAtBuffalo #UBuffaloArchPlan #ArchitecturalDesign #nidillr University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning | National Rehabilitation Information Center | RESNA Assistive Technology Journal

?? Great News...! ?? Over the past year, the IDEA Center partnered with the Aquarium of Niagara to create a comprehensive wayfinding design system for their expanding campus. With the exciting addition of Great Lakes 360, our team designed new directional signage and orientation maps to seamlessly connect the two spaces, making visitor navigation smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, we added simple and intuitive interior signage for Great Lakes 360. ??? ? Check it out and explore all the wonders the Aquarium of Niagara has to offer! #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #Inclusion #Wayfinding #Signage #Orientation #userexperience #AquariumOfNiagara #GreatLakes360 #Wayfinding #Design University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning | Aquarium of Niagara

???? Highlighting key IDEA Center milestones and accomplishments over the past 40 years! In the early 2000s, the IDEA Center began collaborating with disability advocate and visitability champion, Eleanor Smith, and her group Concrete Change. Together, we engaged in pivotal research to understand the benefits, challenges, and implementation of the inclusive design approach for integrating basic accessibility features into all newly built homes and housing. ?? #visitable #visitablehomes #visitability #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #UniversalDesigns #UDEverywhere #DesignForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibleDesign #Accessible #AccessForAll #Inclusion #AgeFriendly #Housing #Communities #DesignJustice #Multigenerational #Architecture #BuildEquity #Intergenerational University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning | National Rehabilitation Information Center Click the link to learn more about our Visitability Research: https://lnkd.in/eEbnBcKp

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