Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design Applications - SUNY Buffalo, with the support of relevant stakeholders, will advance universal design (UD) applications across built environments (i.e., commercial buildings, community infrastructure, housing), transit, information technologies, and products, through an integrated research, development, and deployment (RD&D) program. The goal of the proposed RERC on Universal Design Applications is to engage consumers, designers, service providers, and policymakers in designing, using, and evaluating innovative, and supportive physical environments, transit, information technologies, and products. The objectives are to address key knowledge gaps in UD applications via innovative research and development and demonstrate the value of data driven practice through improved building regulations and voluntary UD standards. The projects build on successful prior work with attention to both high priority, near-term needs and long-term solutions. Desired outcomes are (1) universal designs and facilitating technologies that support independent community engagement, including for employment, health and function, and community mobility; and (2) expanded professional capacity in the domains of physical access and UD across the built environment. Expected products of the RD&D plan include new knowledge, tools, and standards that advance UD applications across built environments, transit, products, and systems. These include (1) knowledge on how emerging technologies (i.e., Artificial Intelligence) can inform and address user needs throughout the design and standards process, (2) research findings on the effectiveness of UD practice, including the health and performance benefits of UD, (3) software tools to assist designers in implementing UD standards, and (4) industry partnerships to improve community wayfinding. These initiatives will all be developed with ongoing and extensive input from disability, professional, policy, and industry stakeholders.
