Metropolis Magazine - Beyond Compliance:
"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is 15 years old this year. While much has changed for the better in the designed environment, much still needs to be done. We see too many designs--like those ubiquitous Braille signs on hotel room or restroom doors, without any help for the blind person on how to get to these doors--that simply comply with ADA, but do not advance thinking about what makes an environment truly accessible. On Thursday, November 17, 2005, at Build Boston an interdisciplinary panel will discuss successful approaches to architecture and interiors, landscape and product design which accommodate people with many different abilities. The panel will include Jean Carroon AIA, LEED, Goody Clancy, Boston, Mass.; Kat Darula, Multi, Design for People LLC, East Providence, R.I.; Khipra Nichols, Rhode Island School of Design, Rumford, R.I.; Chris Matthews, Michael Van Valkenburgh, Cambridge, Mass.; and Valerie Fletcher, Adaptive Environments, Boston, Mass. Panel moderator and Metropolis editor in chief Susan S. Szenasy has caught up with Fletcher, a long time advocate of universal design, to find out how we're doing."
