#universaldesign — Public Fediverse posts

City of Raleigh Government Guide – Weekend Edition, August 21–23, 2026

The City of Raleigh Government Guide Weekend Edition highlights community meetings, workshops, arts programs and public events scheduled for Friday, August 21, through Sunday, August 23, 2026.

This weekend’s calendar includes a National Black Business Month conversation, an inclusive public-art program, the 2026 Affordable Housing Forum, technology assistance, Packapalooza at NC State University and the city’s Summer Concert Series.

Friday, August 21

Coffee and Conversations: National Black Business Month

Time: 9 a.m.
Category: Community Engagement

Raleigh residents and local entrepreneurs can begin the weekend with Coffee and Conversations, a community engagement event recognizing National Black Business Month. The program offers an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the contributions of Black-owned businesses to Raleigh’s economy and neighborhoods.

Public Art for All: Senior Voices & Universal Design

Time: 1:30 p.m.
Categories: Arts and Entertainment; Community Engagement
Registration: Advance registration is required.

Public Art for All focuses on senior voices and universal design principles. The community program explores how Raleigh’s public spaces and artistic projects can become more accessible, inclusive and responsive to people of different ages and abilities.

Those interested in attending should register in advance through the event organizer.

Saturday, August 22

2026 Affordable Housing Forum

Time: 1 p.m.
Categories: Community and Workshops; Community Engagement

Affordable housing remains one of Raleigh’s most important public issues. The 2026 Affordable Housing Forum provides an opportunity for residents, advocates and community stakeholders to learn more about housing needs, challenges and potential solutions.

The forum is an important event for anyone interested in Raleigh’s growth, neighborhood stability, housing accessibility and long-term development.

Advice About Your Device Drop-In Hours

Time: 1 p.m.
Categories: Community and Workshops; Community Engagement

Residents who need help using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or another personal device can attend Advice About Your Device Drop-In Hours. The informal program allows participants to ask technology questions and receive practical assistance.

Because the program uses a drop-in format, residents can stop by during the scheduled session for help with common device issues.

Packapalooza at NC State University

Time: 2 p.m.
Category: Community Engagement

Packapalooza returns to NC State University as a major community celebration featuring entertainment, activities, food and Wolfpack spirit. The annual event brings together students, alumni, families and Triangle residents for an afternoon and evening of festivities.

Packapalooza is one of the weekend’s largest public events and offers activities for visitors of different ages.

Sunday, August 23

Summer Concert Series

Time: 6 p.m.
Category: Parks, Recreation and Athletics

The weekend concludes with Raleigh’s Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. Sunday. Residents can enjoy an evening of live entertainment and community connection in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Attendees should consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket when permitted and check the official event listing for the location, featured performer, parking information and weather-related updates.

Participate in Raleigh’s Weekend Events

From conversations about Black-owned businesses and affordable housing to inclusive art, technology assistance and live entertainment, Raleigh’s August 21–23 government calendar offers several ways to learn, participate and connect.

Event times, registration requirements and locations may change. Residents should confirm final details through the City of Raleigh or the individual event organizer before attending.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for Raleigh government news, public meetings, community programs and weekend events.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

Rethinking #CommunityGardens for Accessibility

By Kim Ousley, April 22, 2026

"The summer after my amputation, I secured a small plot in a community garden. A dear friend paid the $15 seasonal fee—her way of helping me get outside and moving with my fairly new prosthetic leg.

"Her youngest son was five at the time and eager to help. We called it our 'experimental' garden, since neither of us really knew what we were doing. What we didn’t expect was how much it would give back to us. It became a social experiment of sorts—and a powerful boost to both my mental and physical health.

"We kept that garden going for several years. He learned how to plant, pull weeds, and harvest right alongside me—and even developed a taste for fresh salad ingredients.

"As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a reminder that access to #GreenSpaces should be something everyone can experience.

"So why should communities consider making their gardens fully accessible, regardless of physical ability?

"#Gardening is a simple, healthy way to create a safe and welcoming environment for people of all skill levels and abilities. For those using #wheelchairs or electric #scooters, traditional gardens can be limiting—bending down or standing for long periods isn’t always possible. But something as simple as raised beds at the right height can make participation possible again.

"The term '#HorticulturalTherapy' (HT) refers to a professional, evidence-based practice that uses plants and gardening activities to achieve specific therapeutic goals for physical, mental, and social health. Led by credentialed therapists, it has been shown to improve memory, motor skills, and emotional well-being—especially in community settings.

"Communities that have incorporated #DisabilityFriendly design into their gardens are seeing the impact: increased participation, stronger connections, and a shared sense of purpose.

"My own garden wasn’t in an #ADAFriendly space, but with the help of my little buddy, I made it work. Since then, I’ve spoken with many people in my city about creating more inclusive gardening spaces for those who want to participate but face physical barriers.

"I’m starting to see that shift happen—and I hope to be part of growing it.

"So what should you consider when planning a more inclusive garden?

"#UniversalDesign is the foundation. It means creating a space that is usable by everyone, regardless of ability. This can include:

- Raised beds at wheelchair or standing height, so no one has to bend or risk falling
- Adaptive gardening tools with rubber grips, extended handles, and accessible water sources
- Wide, flat, and smooth pathways—at least 36 to 48 inches—to allow wheelchairs to turn comfortably (using pavement or compacted gravel)
- Volunteers who are willing to lend a hand and support inclusive participation

"Getting involved in a local community garden can have lasting benefits. Gardening supports mobility, coordination, strength, balance, endurance, social connection, and memory.

"With a few thoughtful adaptations, it can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle—for everyone."

Source:
https://livingwithamplitude.com/accessible-community-gardens-disability-inclusion/

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardening #AccessibleGardens #Inclusivity #Accessibility #BuildingCommunity
#SensoryPlants #SpendTimeInNature

A Guide for Making #CommunityGardens #Accessible for all Members

"This guide uses #UniversalDesign to improve community garden accessibility for all members. It focuses on providing #AccessiblePathways, tools, and planting options, creating opportunities for education, fresh produce, and therapeutic stress relief for people of all abilities.

This guide, created by Melissa Bravo, aims to enhance community garden accessibility for all members using Universal Design principles. It provides guidance on alterations community gardeners can make, focusing on #AccessibleWalkways (entrances, width, safety, materials), accessories (#ramps, #railings, #signage), water access, planters (raised beds, vertical gardening), #AccessibleTools, and #SensoryGardenPlants. By building accessible gardens, the guide emphasizes providing opportunities for agricultural education, access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and therapeutic stress relief for people of all abilities through therapeutic horticulture.

The guide promotes the principles of Universal Design to create environments of #inclusion in community gardens, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from garden participation. It highlights specific design considerations like operable gate handles, appropriate path widths, and stable surfaces to enable access for people with limited mobility. Appendices offer detailed instructions on accessible features, tools, and sensory garden plants. Ultimately, the guide serves as a resource for gardeners seeking to create inclusive spaces that capture the diversity of their communities."

Source:
https://rootinnature.ca/research/a-guide-for-making-community-gardens-accessible-for-all-members/

Link to PDF [link at source is 404]:
https://www.ppgbuffalo.org/files/documents/environment/a_guide_for_making_community_gardens_accessible_for_all_members_and_checklist.pdf

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardening #AccessibleGardens #Inclusivity #Accessibility #BuildingCommunity #SensoryPlants #SpendTimeInNature

A [Disability] History of Frida Kahlo [CC] -Sydney Zarlengo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lv-ctiFujg

#TorturedArtistTrope #UniversalDesign #SydneyZarlengo #disability #history #FridaKahlo #artMatters #feminism #artist #QueerArtist #PrideMonth #DisabledArtist

Please fill out a short survey on Disability Inclusion and Support in the Workplace. This is a project created by CTP graduate Jennifer Arieta. Even if your knowledge of disability is limited, your response is helpful. It is also an easy way to support a great CTP graduate.

https://forms.gle/ucjtJGkh14erXc1y9

#disability #inclusion #universalDesign #accommodations

As an enthusiast for open source software who is also disabled, I get frustrated at how inaccessible a lot of open source software is. When there are accessibility options, they're usually bolted-on additions that don't work very well. Disabled users are forced into ad-hoc compromises that are laborious to install and labyrinthine to operate. The frustration often drives us back to corporate software. OSS is high friction and low benefit for many disabled users.

Open source developers would gain a lot from integrating accessible design into their products from the ground up (like TTS! My kingdom for fully integrated neural TTS on my browser and operating system). Accessibility features don't just help disabled people. More than half of all people using a phone use accessibility features. Do you really want to exclude half your users?

Accessibility also requires you to think about things like simplicity of design and ease of access for all your users. It can provide redundancy for errors (for example: alt text can be helpful when an image doesn't load, captions can provide a backup if their audio drops out, alternate input methods can allow people to continue using an app if they have keyboard or mouse issues). It can improve design (example: clearer instructions, easier to read text, simple consistent navigation). In short: it makes your software better.

Making the world more accessible for one group improves access for all: this is a basic principle of universal design. Stop excluding us and start making us the core of what you do — you will be a better developer for it.

#opensource #disability #universaldesign #softwaredevelopment

#Layout is important - do you check your #typeface? 😲 🤣

#Font of ‘wasteful’ diversity: Trump’s state department orders return to Times New Roman https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/10/trump-times-new-roman-font-return-state-department

#writing #amwriting #publishing #universaldesign #accessibility #sales

The global beauty industry is worth hundreds of billions. Yet, it remains an inaccessible and non-inclusive market.

Molly Burke, a blind Canadian public figure reflects on this in a recent TEDx talk.

“If brands get it right by accident, imagine what they could do with intention… When we include disabled people from the start of design process, we make things that are better for everyone.”

https://youtu.be/2x9r2EaQ7ZA?feature=shared

#Blind #Leadership #UniversalDesign
#A11Y #Inclusion

Have you ever wondered about the difference between Universal Design and Inclusive Design?

They each define an approach to making the world accessible to people with disabilities, but follow different philosophies.

Read the full article: https://www.tpgi.com/universal-design-vs-inclusive-design/

#Accessibility #DigitalAccessibility #A11y #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign

#Design #Approaches
Universal design vs. inclusive design · Two ways of achieving digital/physical accessibility https://ilo.im/1668v5

_____
#Accessibility #WCAG #InclusiveDesign #UniversalDesign #UxDesign #UiDesign #WebDesign #Development #WebDev #Frontend

Another "clarification" blog post from me, on the difference between Universal Design and Inclusive Design.

https://www.tpgi.com/universal-design-vs-inclusive-design/.

It's my opinion, so happy to take any comments.

#accessibility #a11y #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign #DigitalAccessibility

Gerade zurück aus England – und beeindruckt vom Alltag, der vielerorts selbstverständlicher barrierefrei ist.

Klar: Auch in England ist nicht alles perfekt. Aber der spürbare Wille, Inklusion baulich mitzudenken, ist stark. Der Zugang wird nicht als Sonderlösung verstanden – sondern als Teil guter Gestaltung.

#Barrierefreiheit #Inklusion #Accessibility #England #DesignFürAlle #UniversalDesign #ReisenMitSinn

Excellent blog post!
Congratulations, You've Unlocked 'Expert Mode'! (Whether You Wanted It or Not)
https://nimerblogs.blogspot.com/2025/08/congratulations-youve-unlocked-expert.html?m=1
#disabilities #Accessibility #A11Y #UniversalDesign

Project 2025 as a last gasp of a dying system of “power-over,” one that fears the regenerative, relational force of the people, the Earth, and the sacred.

#USPol #Project2025 #Tiamat #PowerWith #NoKings #ReclaimTheWeb #TiamatLives #ManyCurrents #KinNotCrowns #FromStoneToSong #Biophilia #Wilderness #Rewild #Rewilding #Regenerative #RegenerativeDesign #UniversalDesign #RegenerativeAg #RegenAg #AppropriateTechnology
#Ancestors #Compassion #SocialJustice #Humanrights #SystemsChange #Food #Health

Apple unveils universal design overhaul at WWDC 2025: Apple unveils Liquid Glass design and new OS versions at WWDC 2025 with Foundation Models for devs. https://ppc.land/apple-unveils-universal-design-overhaul-at-wwdc-2025/ #Apple #WWDC2025 #LiquidGlass #UniversalDesign #TechNews

Thirty-five days, thirty head-tilting contradictions: from elevators that *never* break to cafés that shun outdoor tables, from bullet-train punctuality to websites that “sleep” at night. Roll with me through Japan’s elegant chaos—where radical accessibility and rigid rule-books somehow coexist—and see why I left with a lighter suitcase, a happier stomach, and a head full of marvels.
#JapanContradictions #WheelchairTravel #AccessibleTravel #JapanTravel #TravelBlog #InclusiveTravel #BarrierFree #TokyoLife #OsakaEats #KyotoCulture #TravelTips #DisabilityAwareness #AccessibilityMatters #UniversalDesign #SlowTravel

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/japan-in30contradictionsmywheelchairusersfieldnotes-bayerlein-1ehve

That last one may be just a "me" thing (though I suspect not). The article talks about new dialogue only options, though I personally like the descriptive audio. It sometimes surfaces nuances I hadn't noticed. #UniversalDesign

Captioning may be my new go-to example for #UniversalDesign. As the article notes, *a lot* of people are using them for a variety of reasons:

1. Deaf/hard of hearing

2. Better understanding the content

3. Better understanding accents

4. Watching horror movies at 1 a.m. when the rest of the family is sleeping, and you've got the sound turned down real low.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/24/entertainment/you-netflix-new-subtitle-option-dialogue-only/index.html

Airacast: Return from CSUN 🏆

By now, you’ve likely come across numerous podcasts discussing the 40th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. The Aira staff gathered to share their experiences in the exhibit hall, during sessions, and in workshops. Join Jenine Stanley as she engages in conversations with Troy Otillio, Everette Bacon, Jill Ratliff, Blake Steinecke, and Dianne Howie. Aira ASL made its debut, and the response far exceeded our expectations.

Discover more insights and learn about the other valuable takeaways from the conference.

Listen here: https://pnc.st/s/airacast/58b21b37/return-from-csun-
Or in the podcast app of your choice.
Learn more about Aira Explorer and Aira ASL at www.aira.io.

#AccessAI #OnMyTerms #AccessForAll #AccessibleTechnology #Blind #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #AccessibilityForAll #UniversalDesign

For anyone who is struggling with disabilities that aren't always visible, or where what you can do on any given day changes depending on a multitude of factors, I recommend this video by Jessica McCabe of "How to ADHD": universal design for the person we are in our worst days, to help us succeed (or at least manage), no matter what.

#ChronicIllness #Disability #UniversalDesign #ADHD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FomGKijFCc8

Honored. Inspired. Driven.

Last week at #CSUN2025, we had the incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside some of the most innovative minds in accessibility and assistive technology. As a fully remote team, gathering in person is always meaningful, but being part of conversations that shape the future of our technology makes it even more special.

We’re grateful for the chance to hear from industry leaders, learn from fellow innovators, and connect with Explorers (both new and those who have been here from the start) who shape the work we do every day. Having a seat at this table is an honor, and we’re more committed than ever to making Aira the best it can be.

Thank you, Center on Disabilities at CSUN, for another unforgettable year!

#Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #InclusiveDesign #DigitalAccessibility #AdaptiveTech #AccessibleInnovation #TechForGood #BlindAccessibility #LowVisionTech #DisabilityInclusion #UniversalDesign

First time (I think) I've noticed these buttons on a vending machine. (Which is odd as I spent a couple of months in a wheelchair in Tokyo. So maybe I saw them back then and forgot.)

But I like to see it.

#UniversalDesign #accessibility

Accommodations designed for people with #disabilities often benefit everyone. Examples include captioning, visual instructions, and remote work options, according to a professor of disability studies: https://buff.ly/3CVmteh
Lauren Shallish, Rutgers - Newark #ADA #DEI #workplace #universaldesign

#SilentSunday #UniversalDesign

Manchmal sind es die alltäglichen Dinge, die zu großen Herausforderungen werden. Kürzlich brauchte ich eine neue Brille, wofür eine Sehschärfenmessung notwendig ist. Früher war das problemlos möglich: Mit einer Messbrille, bei der die Gläser ausgetauscht werden, konnte ich die Untersuchung direkt im Rollstuhl machen. Doch diese Methode wird immer seltener, verdrängt durch moderne Geräte wie Autorefraktometer. Diese sind zwar technisch fortschrittlich, erfordern aber eine bestimmte Sitzposition, die ich als Rollstuhlfahrer nicht einnehmen kann.

Ich habe monatelang recherchiert, Ärzte und Optiker abtelefoniert – ohne Erfolg. Selbst ein Termin, den ich über den Service meiner Krankenkasse in einer angeblich barrierefreien Praxis vereinbart hatte, brachte keine Lösung. Vor Ort stellte sich heraus, dass zwar die Räumlichkeiten barrierefrei waren, die Untersuchung aber nicht, da das moderne Gerät meine Bedürfnisse nicht berücksichtigte.

Schließlich fand ich einen Optiker in meiner Nachbarschaft, der flexibel genug war, die klassische Messbrille zu nutzen. Doch auch das war nur durch Improvisation möglich: Meine Sitzschale musste auf einen Stuhl umgestellt werden, da die Anzeigetafel in einer festen Position montiert ist. Eine Lösung, die für mich persönlich funktionierte, aber weit entfernt von einer zugänglichen Standardlösung ist.

Diese Erfahrung zeigt, wie technologische Innovation bestehende barrierefreie Methoden verdrängen kann, ohne neue Alternativen zu schaffen. Barrierefreiheit darf kein nachträglicher Gedanke sein – sie muss von Anfang an mitgedacht werden, damit alle von Fortschritten profitieren können.

#Barrierefreiheit #Inklusion #Innovation #UniversalDesign #Technologie #Disruption #AccessibilityMatters