Join Our Universal Design for Cities Cohort

Our 2-week Universal Design Course offers a deep dive into the principles and practical applications of Universal Design in urban mobility. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive environments that cater to diverse user needs.

Through a combination of synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning, and hands-on project work, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of accessibility and its impact on urban spaces.

Chapter 1.1: Course Kickoff

• Format: Synchronous Session
• Content:
• Course objectives, expectations, and outcomes.
• Introduction to Universal Design: Core concepts and importance in urban mobility.
• Overview of Universal Design Principles: Foundational principles.

Chapter 1.2: Persona Development & User Journey Mapping

• Format: Synchronous Session
• Content:
• Develop user personas.
• Map out user journeys to identify critical touchpoints for accessibility.
• Group project assignment: Form groups, assign personas, and begin initial discussions on universal design assessment of the assigned journey.

Explore the user journey to understand the crucial aspects of accessibility with a flexible, self-paced learning structure. This module is crafted to deepen your knowledge of environmental and structural factors that influence accessibility. Engage with our content and reinforce your learning with quizzes designed to challenge and solidify your understanding.

Chapter 2.1: Navigating the External Environment
Explore the impact of external environmental factors on accessibility. Learn about strategies for enhancing access in various settings and the importance of proactive planning.

Delve into the optimization of entrances and horizontal circulation to ensure seamless access for everyone. Discover practical solutions for common challenges faced in creating inclusive entrances and pathways.

Unpack the complexities of ensuring vertical mobility within urban environments. This section covers identifying barriers to vertical circulation and implementing effective solutions.

Evaluate the accessibility of internal spaces and services. Learn how universal design principles can be applied to improve accessibility in various internal settings.

Chapter 2.3: Ensuring Facilities Accessibility

Focus on enhancing the accessibility of sanitary facilities. Gain insights into best practices and guidelines for accommodating the needs of all users.

Review the accessibility of diverse facilities, emphasizing compliance standards and the importance of comfort for all users.

At the end of each chapter, test your knowledge and apply what you've learned with our comprehensive quizzes. These are designed to reinforce your understanding and prepare you for applying accessibility principles in real-world scenarios.

Analyze best practices and learn how to use the accompanying resources and checklists for auditing accessibility.

Chapter 4.1: Independent Project Work

• Format: Self-paced
• Content:
• Apply learned concepts to a real-world project creating an accessible urban mobility plan.
• Groups will conduct an assessment of the assigned persona’s accessibility journey, identifying barriers and proposing solutions.

Chapter 4.2: Mid-Point Check-In

• Format: Virtual meeting
• Content:
• Discuss course materials, clarify doubts, and deepen understanding.
• Mid-point check-in on project progress, provide feedback, and offer guidance.

• Chapter 5.1: Guest Speaker with Lived Experience
• Format: Asynchronous (Recorded Session)
• Content:
• Gain insights from individuals with lived experience
• Chapter 5.2: Final Presentations and Review

Following successful course completion you will be emailed a certificate to acknowledge the skills acquired during the course.