The link below is to a research paper I wrote while working towards my Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology at Northern Arizona University. It explores the ICT or Information and Communications Technology aspects of Universal Design. The What? You may say! Indeed, UD is typically cast in the mold of architectural and mechanical design. But is there a place for ICT? What happens when UD and ICT are melded into the same solution? Presto, we have the European Union concept of Ambient Assisted Living or ultimately an Attentive Home.
We here in the “colonies” talk about Smart Homes and Universal Design as if they were separate concepts. Universal design is often about making accommodations for people with disabilities and Smart Homes are for the convenience of the affluent or the play ground for techno-hobbyist. H’mmm, it appears I can’t resist a few social/political comments…whatever.
We in the US have much to learn from the EU and the melding of Universal Design and Smart Homes is a good place to start.
to paper -> AmbI_meets_UD
While this can be read as a stand alone document, my previous post “Research Paper: Smart Home Tech provides ADL and EADL supports” and attached link will provide useful context.
