Universal design theory is a space to create and share resources, expand our collective design thinking, and prototype digital pathways for universal accessibility at every layer of community engagement and experience creation.
Be Accessible
Universal Design Theory is about being accessible. And being accessible means that we are committed transforming our ways of being and doing so that equitable access is intrinsic to all digital experiences, effectively transforming systems that support ableism into systems that actualize belonging.
Accessibility Beyond Compliance
True accessibility begins with content creation methodologies that center Beyond Compliance accessibility practices.
The “design choices” we make can provide equitable access or provide barriers to access. And so incorporating accessibility into how we think about communications and media is essential to making sure we are making choices that provide access.
As a content creator, or even someone who inputs content in a website or platform, you are extremely powerful because you are the gate. You have to own this power. You have to ensure that you are making choices that are ensuring an accessible digital experience and not inserting barriers to access into our systems of engagement.
Unfortunately most digital experiences are still highly ableist because the non-disabled human experience is centered from ideation to distribution phases of creation.
Anti-Ableism and Disability Justice
able·ism /ˈābəˌlizəm/ noun
A system of assigning value to people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness.
This systemic oppression that leads to people and society determining people’s value based on their culture, age, language, appearance, religion, birth or living place, “health/wellness”, and/or their ability to satisfactorily re/produce, “excel” and “behave.”
Education and Activation
Resources and tutorials for individuals and organizations to increase accessibility in all aspects of communication and content production.
Creating an Accessible Design System
Visual Design
Audio Production
Video Production
Social Media