The renowned Centre for Universal Design Australia (CUDA) is joining the Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) in what the institute says is a significant step forward in the fight for accessible and inclusive environments.
CUDA is led by Dr Jane Bringolf and has been a premier hub for resources and expertise in universal design since 2015. Its vision is for a world where all programs, policies, products, projects and the environment are designed with end users in mind, using a universal design lens.
The future for CUDA
Dr Bringolf will now become a Melbourne Disability Institute Honorary Fellow to help continue the vision of CUDA, and will serve on the collaborative steering committee which will be established to guide CUDA’s activities.
The steering committee will be chaired by MDI’s Professor Bruce Bonyhady and as well as Dr Jane Bringolf, will include Dr Andrew Martel, from the Melbourne School of Design, Tony Clark, Associate Professor Libby Callaway from Monash University, and Professor Phillipa Carnemolla from University of Technology Sydney. Jean Cotchin and the MDI team will provide support.
With plans to extend CUDA’s work over time, MDI will look for ways to include its resources and information in existing disability research hubs, located in key faculties, schools and departments across the University of Melbourne.
Professor Bonyhady said MDI was “thrilled” to support CUDA.
“We share CUDA’s vision and are committed to doing our part to help create a future where the Australian community is more accessible and inclusive of all,” he added.
Dr Bringolf said CUDA was “delighted” to join MDI.
“The concept of universal design has evolved in the last 30 years. Today universal design is about including people from all walks of life into the design process. We are excited that CUDA’s work will continue in this new iteration to focus on collaborative efforts to shape polices, programs and practices that meet the needs of people with disability as well as groups traditionally marginalised by design,” she said.
For more ifnormation or to find out how to get involved, sign up or contact md-i@unimelb.edu.au.