title: Working with Policy and Regulatory Factors to Implement Universal Design in the Built Environment: The Australian Experience.
abstract: Built environments that are usable by all provide opportunities for engagement in meaningful occupations. However, enabling them in day to day design processes and practice is problematic for relevant professions. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain greater understanding of the policy and regulatory influences that promote or hinder the uptake of universal design in built environments, to inform better future design. Focus groups or telephone interviews were undertaken with 28 key building industry and disability stakeholders in Australia. Four themes were identified: the difficulties of definition; the push or pull of regulations and policy; the role of formal standards; and, shifting the focus of design thinking. The findings highlight the complexity of working within policy and regulatory contexts when implementing universal design. Occupational therapists working with colleagues from other professions must be aware of these influences, and develop the skills to work with them for successful practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong 3220, Australia. helen.larkin@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Larkin
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong 3220, Australia. dani.hitch@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hitch
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong 3220, Australia. valerie.watchorn@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Watchorn
authors.affiliation: School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong 3220, Australia. susan.ang@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004779:Environment Design / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011640:Public Policy; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: architecture; built environment; occupational therapy; policy; universal design