Universal design and inclusive work design
The concept of universal design contributes to a barrier-free environment and thus to an inclusive society and working environment. This design principle is expressly enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
Universal design aims to develop user-friendly, flexible and aesthetic solutions for all areas of life and for as many people as possible without a specific requirement profile. As barrier-free aspects and possible combinations with assistive technologies are already taken into account in the design phase, the products are often more cost-effective than custom-made products suitable for disabled people.
However, due to the heterogeneous target group, a one-size-fits-all solution is not always possible. The UN CRPD takes this into account, according to which universal design does not have to make all functions of a product usable for all people if this is not feasible. Consequently, special solutions suitable for disabled people (assistive technologies) will continue to be necessary in the future.
In addition to the employer's general obligations under occupational health and safety law, companies must fulfill special requirements if they employ people with disabilities. According to Section 164 of the German Social Code 9 (SGB IX) and Section 3a of the German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), companies are obliged to design workplaces in a way that is suitable for disabled people, taking into account ergonomic, barrier-free and individual aspects (see guidelines for suitable for disabled people: DIN 32977 Part 1).
However, in contrast to accessibility, universal design is not legally anchored or standardized (for accessibility, see: ArbStättV, DIN 18040).
In the long term, however, companies benefit from the cost advantages of forward-looking and comprehensive planning based on the principle of universal design. Easy-to-use work equipment and a working environment in which employees can move around without barriers promote the autonomy, health and productivity of the entire workforce.
A multi-level strategy for categorizing products is a good way of anchoring the universal design approach in work design. This applies in particular to small and medium-sized companies with limited resources.
Key questions for categorizing products:
- Which products are easy for many employees to use and adapt (for example, adjustable work furniture, software)?
- Which products are customizable and enable the use of technologies suitable for disabled people (e.g. smartphone with integrated screen reader)?
- Which products are specially developed for a disability (e.g. power wheelchair)?
Status: 2019