Overview

The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) at the National Disability Authority (NDA) has a remit to advance the promotion of Universal Design in education in Ireland. We work to integrate Universal Design as part of education programmes at Primary, Secondary, Third Level and in CPD. Programmes for younger learners also work to recognise the learning by the participating adults.

Integration of the Principles of Universal Design for more accessibility and usability helps to prioritise the needs of people with the more diverse abilities, characteristics and preferences, leading to the creation of design solutions that reduce barriers and help enable all people to participate as members of society.

Reports on CPD programmes showcased here include:

 

Research to inform the development and delivery of Continuous Professional Development in Universal Design that is suitable for promotion by the RIAI

You can view here the research to inform the development and delivery of Continuous Professional Development in Universal Design that is suitable for promotion by the RIAI in PDF
Embedding the Universal Design process within the education and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of architectural professionals can cement their role as agents for creating a built environment that affords widespread social participation. This research was a collaborative project between the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center) at the University at Buffalo — State University of New York and the School of Architecture at the University of Limerick. We commissioned this work in partnership with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The RIAI is the Registration and Support body for Architects in Ireland. We have  a specific statutory remit to liaise with professional bodies, such as the RIAI to encourage education and training in Universal Design.

The purpose of this research was to inform the development and delivery of Universal Design CPD for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in the Republic of Ireland. The recommendations in the report are based on the findings from two stages of research conducted between August 2015 and August 2016 which include:

  • a review of existing literature and resources
  • stakeholder engagement

The Executive Summary of the research report is available for download below.

Due to the large size of the documents, the full report and appendices are available on request by emailing us.