Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access-University at Buffalo

How can technology make street crossings more inclusive? The IDEA Center team, through the NIDILRR-funded RERC on Universal Design Applications (90REGE0031) is exploring that question through a development project titled: Universal Crosswalk Signs at Signalized Intersections. The focus is on enhancing navigation at signalized intersections for people who are blind, low vision, and/or neurodivergent. By combining tactile intersection information with Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled technology, the project aims to provide users with on-demand crossing information that supports safer and more confident travel. This year, the team has been working with community partners and technology developers to refine the system and prepare for real-world deployment and evaluation in Buffalo, NY.



University at Buffalo Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo

A great example of inclusive design in action. This spring, students in Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo Masters of Architecture Inclusive Design Graduate Research Group partnered with the Rural Housing Coalition of NY to explore innovative approaches to affordable, resilient, energy-efficient, and inclusive rural housing.

Learn more about the project: https://archplan.buffalo.edu/news/2026/studio-to-improve-manufactured-housing.html

University at Buffalo

Our NIDILRR-funded Field Initiated Project - mRehab project has officially launched the Community Advisory Board phase, which seeks feedback from individuals with diverse lived experiences to help strengthen the overall usability, functionality, and real-world relevance of the platform before the next phase of testing begins.

Led through a multidisciplinary collaboration involving the IDEA Center in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo, alongside partners in the School of Public Health and Health Professions, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Georgia State University, the project brings together expertise in inclusive design, technology, and clinical care to support stroke recovery.

mRehab is an innovative home-based rehabilitation system designed to support stroke recovery through interactive exercises, real-time performance tracking, and personalized auditory and visual feedback.



University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Public Health and Health Professions - University at Buffalo Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo

Designing for Accessibility? We Can Help.

The IDEA Center works with developers to ensure multi-family housing projects meet accessibility standards—before and during construction.

🔍 Our team provides expert drawing reviews and on-site construction audits to identify barriers and improve compliance.

👉 Learn more: https://idea.ap.buffalo.edu/services/ada-consulting/

How we get to work and the quality of workspaces shape who gets to participate.

Join VRAIE IDEA for “The Journey to Work: Applying Universal Design from Transit to the Workplace” featuring Jimin Choi on May 20, 2026.

This conversation will explore how Universal Design can create more inclusive experiences across the full journey from navigating transit systems to accessing workplaces and employment opportunities. Thoughtful design in transportation, wayfinding, communication, and workplace environments benefits not only people with disabilities, but everyone.

The event is part of the VRAIE IDEA Speaker Series, highlighting innovative approaches to accessibility, inclusion, and equitable participation in work and public life.

Register for The Journey to Work: Applying Universal Design from Transit to the Workplace: https://vraie-idea.ca/events/journey-work-applying-universal-design-transit-workplace



Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo University at Buffalo

🎉 Congratulations to Danise Levine Winter, who was honored with the Access Award at the “In My Shoes: Universal Design Part II” event hosted by BRIDGES Center for Independent Living on May 8th.

Danise played a key role in supporting BRIDGES as they launched a flagship Universal Design demonstration home in New City, NY.

Working collaboratively with the BRIDGES team and project partners, she helped guide the design by using Universal Design strategies throughout the house’s interior and exterior. Those strategies include no-step entrances, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and an adaptable layout that works for people of all ages and abilities.

The event also recognized:
M&T Bank & Wilmington Trust — Business Partner of the Year
Wasilewska of M4 Interiors — Empowerment Award
Hellman of Hellman Management — Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office Leadership Award

A wonderful evening celebrating collaboration, leadership, and the growing impact of Universal Design in our communities. 👏

May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a reminder that mobility is fundamental to independence, participation, and dignity.

At the IDEA Center, we’re proud to partner with the Mobility Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh to advance research that directly informs better design outcomes for people who use wheeled mobility devices.

Our Design Resources for Wheeled Mobility Accessibility work shares critical research on the sizes, abilities, and spatial needs of contemporary wheeled mobility device users through visual, interactive design aids. These resources support accessibility standards committees, government agencies, and designers by helping translate research into more effective, real-world design decisions.

This work is funded by the U.S. Access Board and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Learn more about the Design Resources for Wheeled Mobility Accessibility: https://idea.ap.buffalo.edu/projects/anthropometry/

Build a Better World for All with isUD!

Developed by the IDEA Center, innovative solutions for Universal Design (isUD®) is the world’s first Universal Design building certification program—empowering designers, architects, and developers to create spaces that work for everyone.

Backed by research and over 500 expert solutions aligned with the Goals of Universal Design, isUD helps transform how we design and maintain buildings and communities—making them healthier, friendlier, and safer for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Ready to lead the way in inclusive design?
Get started at thisisud.com



Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo The American Institute of Architects National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) American Association of People with Disabilities AIA Buffalo/WNY American Alliance of Museums

This semester, students in Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo’s Master of Architecture Inclusive Design Graduate Research Group are working with Rural Housing Coalition of NY to rethink manufactured housing across New York State, an essential but often overlooked part of rural communities. The studio is supported by an AARP Community Change Grant.

Led by Rajkovich, the studio challenges students to address housing that is not only affordable, but also safe, energy efficient, climate-resilient, and inclusive.

Through hands-on research, including a tour of a Titan Homes facility, and collaboration with statewide advocates, students are developing solutions grounded in universal design, durability, and performance.

The studio will culminate in a final presentation in Albany, NY where ideas move beyond the classroom and into practice.

We want to highlight another one of our talented graduate research assistants: Kyle English.

With a background in psychology from Canisius University and research experience in childhood aggression and victimization, Kyle brings a strong understanding of people and behavior into the world of inclusive design. Kyle is currently in his 2nd year of the 3-year Master of Architecture program at the Architecture and Planning - University at Buffalo.

At the IDEA Center, Kyle is contributing to the development of online continuing education courses and developing isUD kitchen standards.

We’re thrilled to have Kyle on board!

University at Buffalo