It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.
Universal Design is becoming increasingly popular across the country as a way of making sure buildings accommodate people with disabilities. Some advocates for the disabled in the Springfield area say that it's been difficult to get developers to buy into using Universal Design in the Ozarks. KSMU's Joe Morgan has more.
Universal Design is a new concept that maximizes the use of buildings and houses for people with and without disabilities. The Southwest Center for Independent Living's Public Policy Advocate Shelby Butler explains the importance of Universal Design.
Butler says that Universal Design allows people to have easier access to buildings, no matter what disability they may have. She says this is helpful for people with long term disabilities and people with short term disabilities.
One reason why builders are hesitant to switch to building with Universal Design is the increased cost. There is currently a push at Missouri State University to modify existing buildings and to ensure that new facilities on campus incorporate Universal Design. Southwest Center for Independent Living's Executive Director Gary Maddox says the increase in cost is worth it in the long run.
Shelby Butler says that this building technique also aides in getting rid of a certain stereotype that has plagued disabled people for a long time.
Both Butler and Maddox say that it's been a constant challenge to try and educate builders in the Ozarks about Universal Design and the benefits that come with it. Missouri State University will hold a Universal Design Conference this Friday at 9 am in room 313 of the Plaster Student Union. The program includes a guest speaker on Universal Design form the University of Arizona. For KSMU News, I'm Joe Morgan.
