about UDI.
diverse partners. shared mission.
Meet our incredible network of non-profits and for-profits, all working to create empowering environments.
the institute.
UDI helps make the built environment easier to use and safer to live in for everyone at all ages and stages of life. UDI specializes in accessible and universal design in the commercial, public, and residential sectors. We also:
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perform design assistance and design development
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applies research to generate design solutions appropriate for the widest diversity of users
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evaluate existing products and buildings
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collaborate with builders and manufacturers on the development of new design solutions
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develop and distribute educational publications and instructional materials -- tools most useful for professionals wishing to practice universal design and to individuals and families needing to learn of options and opportunities
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conduct training globally to increase knowledge of the application of universal design
our history.
The Institute was founded in 1997 as a non-profit organization, Housing Works, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to promote accessible and context-based community housing for people with disabilities. In 2008 the name was changed to The Ronald L. Mace Universal Design Institute to reflect an expanded mission that now includes a focus on the built environment in its entirety, and most particularly, to include universal design as its primary guiding principle.
The Institute's staff has a wealth of expertise in universal design and accessibility codes and standards with an emphasis on human function, architecture, and planning. The Institute has developed technical and policy documents and a wide range of graphic and multimedia materials to explain technical specifications in context of the environment. The Institute has a history of collaborative, multidisciplinary work: research, plan review; development of new plans, survey instruments, photo documentaries, product designs, state agency policies, demonstration houses, educational programs, and contributing to federal and state legislation.
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RONALD L. MACE.
FAIA 1941-1998
Ronald L. Mace was a nationally and internationally recognized architect, product designer, and educator whose design philosophy provided a design foundation for a more usable world. He coined the term "universal design" to describe the concept of designing products and the built environment to serve the needs of people regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.
I have known and worked with Dick Duncan, Leslie Young and Rex Pace for at least 12 years. The late Ron Mace and his colleagues and successors have helped us develop design standards for the housing we finance, and often provided speakers for training events and conferences under our sponsorship. The Institute staff is thought of in the affordable housing finance industry as the ultimate authority.
ROBERT D,
NC HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
our board.
UDI's Board of Directors has decades of experience in design and related fields on accessibility, outreach and universal design. They also bring the perspectives of the lived experience with disability and aging.
our team.
UDI staff have decades of experience in planning and design.
The Institute's staff has decades of experience in the design of accessible and universal environments. The Institute's staff has a wealth of expertise in universal design and accessibility codes and standards with an emphasis on human function, architecture, and planning.
The Institute has developed technical and policy documents and a wide range of graphic and multimedia materials to explain technical specifications in context of the environment. The Institute has a history of collaborative, multidisciplinary work: research, plan review; development of new plans, survey instruments, photo documentaries, product designs, state agency policies, demonstration houses, and educational programs.
contact us.
Whether you have questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Get in touch through any of the channels below. We’re eager to hear from you!
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