Working with Policy and Regulatory Factors to Implement Universal Design in the Built Environment: The Australian Experience.

Helen Larkin,Susan Ang,Danielle Hitch,Valerie Watchorn

doi:10.3390/ijerph120708157

Abstract

Built environments that are usable by all provide opportunities for engagement in meaningful occupations. However, enabling them in day to day design processes and practice is problematic for relevant professions. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain greater understanding of the policy and regulatory influences that promote or hinder the uptake of universal design in built environments, to inform better future design. Focus groups or telephone interviews were undertaken with 28 key building industry and disability stakeholders in Australia. Four themes were identified: the difficulties of definition; the push or pull of regulations and policy; the role of formal standards; and, shifting the focus of design thinking. The findings highlight the complexity of working within policy and regulatory contexts when implementing universal design. Occupational therapists working with colleagues from other professions must be aware of these influences, and develop the skills to work with them for successful practice.

Highlights

The design of built environments is critically important to promoting engagement in meaningful occupations, and the capacity of all people, regardless of ability, to participate within their communities [1].Research has confirmed a relationship between built environments, behavior, and health [2,3,4], the links between health, architecture and design are not as well known
The link between participation and health and wellbeing is clearly established within occupational therapy [5,6], and the core business of many occupational therapists includes working with individuals and families to modify home and other environments within the content of health care services
Occupational therapists in Australia are increasingly entering the multi-disciplinary area of the design of public built environments and spaces, often in the role of access consultant [8]

Summary

Introduction

The design of built environments is critically important to promoting engagement in meaningful occupations, and the capacity of all people, regardless of ability, to participate within their communities [1]. Research has confirmed a relationship between built environments, behavior, and health [2,3,4], the links between health, architecture and design are not as well known. The link between participation and health and wellbeing is clearly established within occupational therapy [5,6], and the core business of many occupational therapists includes working with individuals and families to modify home and other environments within the content of health care services. Occupational therapists in Australia are increasingly entering the multi-disciplinary area of the design of public built environments and spaces, often in the role of access consultant [8]. Access consultants are specialist professionals who conduct access audits, appraisals, research, and evaluation projects, consultations, advisory and training services around universal design in the built environment

Results

Discussion

Conclusion