RERC-UD 2010-2015
Major Accomplishments
- Established a collaboration with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, which led to the use of their advanced simulation laboratory, CEAL (Challenging Environment Assessment Lab), to study stairways and sidewalks in cold weather climates.
- Developed a new definition for UD and the 8 Goals of Universal Design to clarify the outcomes of UD practice.
- Conducted research initiatives on home modifications and rights-of-way/complete streets initiatives.
- Provided input on federal rulemaking on ramp slope standards based on our research.
- Designed and partnered builders, to build eight UD homes in three cities including the LIFEhouse™, two as part of the Wounded Warrior Project, and two in the Horizons Home Show in Buffalo, NY. The LIFEhouse™ has won several awards for its design, including a national award from the National Association of Home Builders.
- Developed and evaluated a series of Touch Responsive Models – 3D representations of buildings and plans. These models incorporate innovative digital fabrication techniques, materials, and software to enhance utilization of buildings and sites for all.
- Developed a measurement instrument to measure the clearance of a person’s foot as they walk on an outdoor pathway.
- Wrote and published the first comprehensive textbook on UD, Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments.
- Established an ongoing relationship with the U.S. Access Board to conduct research on topics of high priority in rule-making.
- Established a usability testing program using UD concepts. This initiative attracted two manufacturers who are leaders in their fields as clients.
- Received a trademark registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a UD logo.
- Expanded the online continuing education program to include 11 courses.
Publications
D’Souza, C., Paquet, V., Steinfeld, E., and Feathers, D. (2010). Anthropometric data visualization tools to improve accessibility of built environments. In T. Marek, W. Karwowski, and V. Rice (Ed.), Advances in Understanding Human Performance: Neuroergonomics, Human Factors Design, and Special Populations (pp. (pp. unk.)). New York: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis.
Joseph, C., DSouza, C., Paquet, V., Feathers, D. (2010). Comparison of hand grip strength between wheeled mobility device users and non-disabled adults. In T. Marek, W. Karwowski, and V. Rice (Ed.), Advances in Understanding Human Performance: Neuroergonomics, Human Factors Design, and Special Populations (pp. (pp. unk.)). New York: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis.
Fellows and Graduate Students:
Novak, A.C. (2012). Improving stair safety. Falls and Mobility Network annual meeting, 5/14, ?.
Novak, A.C., Dutta, T., Fernie, G (2011). Understanding stair geometry design and related risk of falls. Seventh Annual Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Research Day, 11/17, ?.
Nasarwanji, M. F. (2012). Understanding alternate physical interaction strategeis to improve product design for older adults. Buffalo. NY: University at Buffalo, SUNY (Ph.D. Thesis).
Dutta, T, 2012. Evaluation of the KinectTM sensor for 3-D kinematic measurement in the workplace. Applied Ergonomics, 43, 645-649. (2012). Evaluation of the KinectTM sensor for 3-D kinematic measurement in the workplace. Applied Ergonomics, 43, 645-649.
Dutta, T, 2012. Evaluation of the KinectTM sensor for 3-D kinematic measurement in the workplace. Applied Ergonomics, 43, 645-649. (2012). Evaluation of the KinectTM sensor for 3-D kinematic measurement in the workplace. Applied Ergonomics, 43, 645-649.
Denbeigh, K., Hsu, J., Li, Y., Fernie, G (2012). Walking stability on winter surfaces: investigating the optimal configuration of spikes in ice cleats. NICE Knowledge Exchange 2012, 5/24, ?.
Denbeigh, K., Ohri, V., Hsu, J., Li, Y., Fernie, G (2012). Evaluating Accessibility and Use of Mobility Scooters in Winter Conditions. 3rd Mobility in Aging Research Retreat, Centre for Studies in Aging, 5/1, ?.
Hsu, J., Denbeigh, K., Li, Y., Ohri, V., Fernie, G (2011). User-centred measures of slip resistance for winter footwear. Seventh Annual Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Research Day, 11/17, 68.
Peer and Non Peer Reviewed:
Steinfeld, E., Maisel, J. L. (2012). Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Steinfeld, E., and Smith, R. (2012). Universal Design for Quality of Life Technologies. In R. Schulz (Ed.), Quality of Life Technology (pp. ?). Pittsburgh, PA: CRC Press.
Steinfeld, E., and Smith, R. (2012). Universal Design for Quality of Life Technologies. Proceedings of the IEEE Journal: Quality of Life Technology, 1, 1-15.
Li, Y., Hsu, J., Fernie, G. (2011). Thermal and cardiovascular responses to short cold exposure: effects of age. In M. Campbell, S. Keshen, J. Mendez (Ed.), FICCDAT 2011 / Growing Older With A Disability (pp. ?). Toronto, ON: TRI.
Li, Y., Chung, O. (2011). Effect of moderate cold exposure on manual dexterity: assessment with two dexterity tests. In D. Gretzinger (Ed.), FICCDAT 2011 / 34th Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Conference (pp. ?). Toronto, ON: TRI.
Li, Y., Hsu, J., Fernie, G. (2011). Thermal and cardiovascular responses to short cold exposure: effects of age. Seventh Annual Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Research Day, 11/17, p.68.
Lenker, J.A., Shoemaker, L.L., Fuhrer, M.J., Jutai, J.W., Demers, L., Tan, C.H., & DeRuyter, F. (2012). Classification of assistive technology services: Implications for research. Technology and Disability, 24, 59-70.
Sprigle, S.H., Lenker, J.A., Searcy, K. (2012). Comparison of activities related to the provision of complex and standard mobility devices by rehabilitation technology suppliers and technicians. Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 7, 219-225.
Smith, K., Berlanda,T. (2013). Place-Based Pedagogies: Reflections on a Partnership between U.S. and Rwanda Architecture Programs. In CCTL (Ed.), 12th Annual CCTL Conference on Teaching and Learning. Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY: 12th Annual CCTL Conference on Teaching and Learning.
Smith, K., Smith, C. (2013). Non-Career Teachers in the Design Studio: Economics, Pedagogy, and Teacher Development. International Journal of Art and Design Education, 31, 90-104.
Steinfeld, E. (2013). From accessibility to inclusion. In S. Skavlid; H. P. Olsen (Ed.), Universal design as process (pp. ?). Oslo, Norway: Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs.
Steinfeld, E. (2013). From regulation to innovation. In S. Skavlid; H. P. Olsen (Ed.), Universal design as process (pp. ?). Oslo, Norway: Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs.
Landau, S., Steinfeld, E., Subryan, H. (2012). Interactive Multisensory Models: A Research and Development Project. In 4th International Conference for Universal Design (Ed.), Proceedings at the 4th International Conference for Universal Design (pp. ?). Fukuoka, Japan: International Association for Universal Design.
Steinfeld, E. (2013). Time to Think Differently. Washington, DC: American Architectural Foundation.
Smith, E., and Green, N. (2013). Libby and the Cape of Visitability. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
Li, Y., Hsu, J.A. & Fernie, G. (2013). Aging and the Use of Pedestrian Facilities in Winter—The Need for Improved Design and Better Technology. Journal of Urban Health, n/a, 1-16.
Hsu, J., Li, Y., Fernie, G. (2013). Effectiveness of footwear on icy slopes and cross-slopes. In JNIOSH (Ed.), Conference Proceedings of the International Conference on Fall Prevention and Protection (pp. ?). Tokyo, Japan: JNIOSH.
Murnaghan, L.M., Alman, B.A., Howard, A., Kelley, S., Narayanan, U., Fernie, G., Li, Y. (2013). Slippery Slope: An Analysis of Crutch Ambulation in Winter Conditions. In COA (Ed.), 68th COA Annual Meeting (pp. ?). Winnipeg, Canada: Canadian Orthopedic Association.
Murnaghan, L.M., Alman, B.A., Howard, A., Kelley, S., Narayanan, U., Fernie, G., Li, Y. (2013). Children’s use of crutches in winter. In POSNA (Ed.), POSNA Annual Meeting (pp. ?). Toronto, Canada: Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America.
Mortenson, W.B., Demers, L., Fuhrer, M., Jutai, J., Lenker, J.A., & DeRuyter, F. (2012). How assistive technology use by individuals with disabilities impacts their caregivers: A systematic review of the research evidence. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 91, 984-998.
Mortenson, W.B., Demers, L., Fuhrer, M., Jutai, J., Lenker, J.A., & DeRuyter, F. (2013). Effects of an assistive technology intervention on older adults with disabilities and their informal caregivers: An exploratory randomized control trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 92, 297-306.
Lenker, J.A., Harris, F., Taugher, M., & Smith, R.O.. (2013). Consumer Perspectives on the Acquisition and Impact of Assistive Technology. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, ?, ?.
Tauke, B. (2013). House of Sense Memory. In I. Ludke (Ed.), Lost in Space – Architecture and Dementia (pp. ?). Basel: Burkauser.
Basnak, M. (2014). Architectural Practice in Small Towns: A Study of the Architect-Client Relationship in the Western Erie Canal Region. Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
Denbeigh, K. (2013). Slips During Gait on Winter Surfaces: Evaluation of Ice Cleat Design and Slip Definition. Toronto, Canada: Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto.
Kim, K. (2014). Contemporary Practices in Stairway Design: Behavior of Stair Users in Public Buildings. Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
Kim, K., Steinfeld, E. (2014). The Effects of Interactive Stairways on User Behavior and Safety. Assistive Technology Research Series, 35, 157-166.
Maisel, J. L. (2014). Factors Influencing Outdoor Walking Activity in Older Adults. Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
Ohri, V. (2013). Developing Test Methods for the Evaluation of Scooter Performance in Winter Conditions. Toronto, Canada: Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto.
Hsu J, Li Y, Dutta T, Fernie G. (2015). Assessing the performance of winter footwear using a new maximum achievable incline method. Applied Ergonomics, 50, 218-225.
Li, Y., Montgomery, R., Dutta, T., Fernie, G. (2014). Footwear and Mobility Scooters: Developing Performance Standards for Winter Conditions Using an Adjustable Ramp Test. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95, p.e105.
Tauke, B., Davis, C., and Smith, K. (2015). Diversity and Design: Understanding the Hidden Consequences. New York & London: Routledge.
Lenker, J.A. and Perez, B. (2015). The role of occupational therapists in universal design research. Occupational Therapy Now, 16, 13-15.
Kim, K., and Steinfeld, E. (2014). The Effects of Interactive Stairways on User Behavior and Safety. Assistive Technology Research Series, 35, 157 – 166.
Tauke, B. (2015). Packaging Panic: The After-Effects of the Tylenol Murders. In B. Tauke, K. Smith, C. Davis (Ed.), Diversity and Design: Understanding the Hidden Consequences (pp. ?). London: Routledge.
Tauke, B., Smith, K. (2015). Crossing the Threshold: Concepts of Home in Three Modern Archetypes and Implications for Disability. In M. Rembis (Ed.), Disabling Domesticity (pp. ?). London: Palgrave McMillan.
Lenker, J., Maisel, J., Ranahan, M. (2015). Assessing the Implementation of Complete Streets Projects. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, unk., unk..
Landau, S., Subryan, H., Steinfeld, E. (2014). Interactive Wayfinding for the Visually Impaired. eg magazine, 11, n/a.
Justifying
1999 - 2004
Established the need for UD and created a catalyst for the growth of the UD community. Created a model for using anthropometry in UD, developed strategies for promoting UD adoption in the building and product industries, and encouraged consumers, both with and without disabilities, to value UD in the marketplace.
Facilitating
2005 - 2010
Produced strategically important deliverables that helped faciliate and advance the field of UD. Generated critical human factors data to resolve design and engineering problems, developed methods to evaluate the usability of designs for people with disabilities, and identified priorities for research and development.
Implementing
2010 - 2015
Advanced knowledge translation for universal design using a Knowledge-To-Action Model. Engaged in strategically important projects that integrated UD Goals with the generally accepted models of practice across three domains of the built environment: (1) housing, (2) public buildings, and (3) community infrastructure.
Evaluating
2015 - 2020
Addresses key needs for knowledge and demonstrates the value of evidence-based practice. Includes evaluations of buildings and facilities using UD features to assess their effectiveness, strengthen the business case for UD, and provide evidence to support increased adoption of UD.
