2-day conference on Universal design

In an effort to address and bring equity among people and integrate the human society with all differences intact, a two-day conference on Universal Design and Development is being organised here from March 13.
Modern design emerged as a people-centric profession that shaped the physical and cognitive environment around, yet most design ignored this reality of abilities and addressed only to the so called 'normal' people, Sanjay Jayavardhanavelu, Chairman, D J Academy of Design, the organisers, told reporters here today.
"The Universal Design is providing a design solution, a product or a service, which can be used by all people, with 'normal' abilities, different abilities or a special need without any discrimination to create an inclusive society," he said.

Claimed to be the first such in India, Sanjay said the British Council has come forward to jointly organise the conference, which is going to target authorities like town planning, designers, architects, students, corporate and policy makers.
"For example, the Braille which helps a visually impaired person is a design for the disabled, but a simple stick which can be used by everyone, including the elderly and the blind, is Universal Design," Prof Balaram, Dean of the Academy, said.