At the Royal College of Art
Breaking boundaries appeared to be the single most powerful theme to this exciting, energetic conference. In presentations, discussions and hallway chats, the dialogue invariably resulted in the conclusion that we must move beyond currently-held views and cross over to new territory. Frustrations expressed at the slow pace of change gave way to a realisation that there are new ways of viewing the issues and new paths to solving them. There were at least two breakthroughs.
Beyond stereotypes is perhaps the most significant. Many came to the conference with the goal of finding better ways to integrate the disabled and the elderly into the socio-economic fabric of Britain and other countries. Yet in discussions, it became clear that the disabled and elderly fall within a much wider continuum of differently abled people.
Products and services that were better designed to function in general helped all consumers. Of course, there are exceptions. The retrofitting of Fiat cars, for example, to allow disabled people to drive, shows what can be done in these circumstances. But, by and large, universally designed products are not only better for older persons with arthritis, but just about everyone else as well. Curb cuts not only allow mobility for people sitting in wheelchairs, but moms wheeling their babies around in carriages, teenagers riding about on bicycles and 11-year olds bombing around on skate boards or scooters.
There was major progress in moving beyond the stereotype of specific groups needing special care to a diversity of groups needing better, common care in terms of improved design of everyday things.
Beyond legislation is perhaps the second most important breakthrough. Many people realised that the marketplace is an essential ingredient in integrating all groups, including the disabled and the elderly, into the socio-economic stew that is society.
Legislation can play a significant role in putting pressure on corporations to increase accessibility and end discrimination. The terrible frustration felt by many people at the conference at the continued failure of the commercial world to meet the needs of the disabled and elderly reflected the reality that a legal stick is not sufficient.
There was a great deal of anger displayed against 'bad' corporations and a 'bad', uncaring marketplace. Yet it was also pointed out that the corporation as an institution and the marketplace as a whole are neither ÒgoodÓ nor ÒbadÓ per se. They are motivated by profit, not morality. Thus, the most efficacious way of including all differently abled people is to persuade corporations to design their products and services so that much larger numbers of people can use them, thereby increasing their profits. This is one of the strongest messages of the conference.
One final thought. In the US, rapid economic growth and a very tight labour market in recent years provided powerful incentives to companies to open their doors to those who were previously seen as too expensive or difficult to employ. People who had been 'out' were welcomed inside because they were desperately needed. New technologies made integration that much easier. In addition, the shift to an information-based economy has raised the value of mind-power. Managing information or creating new products has become all-important. The only body part that companies really want these days is the mind. This can be satisfied in large part by people working in the office, at home or virtually anywhere.
Breakthrough concepts for a breakthrough conference.
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