RL Mace Universal Design Institute

RL Mace Universal Design Institute The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. L.

The R. Mace Universal Design Institute, founded in 1997, is based in North Carolina and is dedicated to promoting the concept and practice of accessible and universal design. The Institute's work manifests the belief that all new environments and products, to the greatest extent possible, should and can be usable by everyone regardless of age, ability, or circumstance. The Institute advances the c

oncept of universal design in all design disciplines, including housing, public-use buildings, outdoor and urban environments and related products. 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.

From UDI to you...we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July! For resources and interesting reads about how to make your h...
07/03/2026

From UDI to you...we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July! For resources and interesting reads about how to make your home safe, hop onto our blog: https://www.udinstitute.org/blog

We have long explored the advantages that home technology can bestow on older adults. From family communications, to rem...
05/21/2026

We have long explored the advantages that home technology can bestow on older adults. From family communications, to reminders, list making, weather and news, security and much more, home tech can be a difference maker, especially when used in a home that has age friendly features.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) might play a much bigger role; in health and home health, socialization and companionship, safety, security and beyond. But the introduction of AI comes with many concerns as well: privacy, replacement of people with machines, assurance that all actions are in the best interest of residents, and oversight.

Check out this article, which takes a look at many of these issues. https://aginginamerica.news/2026/04/14/ai-enters-the-elder-care-arena/

This comes from Nicole Julia, an occupational therapist and longtime advocate of Universal Design. She completed her doc...
05/11/2026

This comes from Nicole Julia, an occupational therapist and longtime advocate of Universal Design. She completed her doctoral research in accessible and Universal Design and recently launched a Kickstarter for her children’s book, Flora’s Fish‑For‑All Pier, which introduces disability allyship and universal/accessible design concepts, through a story about a flamingo who rallies her town to build a universal fishing pier where everyone belongs.

Here is the direct link to the kickstarter where you can learn all about the book:

Empowering kids to be disability allies and community builders: because we all deserve to participate fully.

We have long pointed out the benefits of bidets, primarily for people who have difficulty in taking care of their toilet...
04/21/2026

We have long pointed out the benefits of bidets, primarily for people who have difficulty in taking care of their toilet hygiene adequately. That is still true.
And while bidets have been extensively used worldwide for many years, they finally seem to have gone mainstream in the US. People likely recognize the general improved comfort, convenience, and cleaning that bidets convey.
Seems like a good UD product to me: serving people with and without impairments greatly. We haven't surveyed bidets for relative ease of use, simplicity of operation, and ease of installation; so we can't offer any product recommendations, but we can only hope that more of us find a way to use them.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet/

Address

1854 A Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC
28803

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RL Mace Universal Design Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to RL Mace Universal Design Institute:

Shortcuts

Share