Through an increased awareness of how to practice universal design, these barriers will be removed from existing facilities and new ones shall become totally integrated so that accessible features are an expected part of the place. Commentary It is currently estimated that one in six persons is impaired in some form in their use of the environment. Most of these people were formerly able-bodied. In addition, we are all subject to a range of temporary disabilities, thus including us all as the beneficiaries of universal design. Designers must be aware of this fact, recognizing that the percentages of such persons are expected to increase in the future.
Accessibility often means more to the disabled person than only the provision of access.
Achieving this for people with disabilities requires insight into their needs and desires as well as an understanding of the technical requirements for access. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 making major changes in how a variety of indoor and outdoor sites are designed.