At Colorado State University, we have had success in implementing inclusive built environments in new buildings, remodels and exterior spaces on all our campuses. Key tools in this effort are a community engagement process; a dedicated committee overseeing inclusivity and accessibility needs and resources; and inclusive physical design and construction standards.
The inclusive campus committee determined that barriers exist in the physical environment that can prevent individuals from fully accessing and enjoying the benefits of our campus and facilities in the same way that other individuals do.
The creation of inclusive physical standards has enabled physical improvement projects to proactively budget and plan for inclusive spaces as projects develop.
In coordination with the standards, a strategic planning approach has resulted in a master plan, identifying key locations for these inclusive facilities. This planning strategy and a conscientious engagement process contributed to a community culture where these are considered “shared resources.”
Speaker Bio
Jessica Kramer (she/hers) is a designer and planner with over 20 years of design, marketing, communications and identity/branding experience. As an environmental graphic designer, inclusivity designer and landscape architect, she brings a unique perspective to projects. Jessica has worked with diverse clients, communities and users to ensure collaboration and distinct perspectives are brought to the table.
Jessica's focus is understanding the design perspective of an environment, from how a space is planned, funded and constructed, to help guide how to make physical spaces inclusive and comfortable for all. This ranges from creating guidelines for inclusive physical spaces, to analyzing how existing spaces work, to planning where such spaces and elements should be incorporated in the future. She is also keenly aware of limited financial construction for space projects. She also develops strategies and master plans, identifying priority projects and helping to secure over $1 million dollars for inclusive and accessible physical spaces and inclusive virtual environments that have been implemented over the last 7 years at Colorado State University.
Objective
During this webinar you'll learn how to:
- Participants will be able to have a productive discussion with other stakeholders about the importance of inclusive features in the physical environment
- Build support for inclusivity by showing proven results such as employee attraction and retention, customer and user satisfaction, support individuals who plan and maintain your buildings, etc.
- Identify features of a design that contribute to or limit equitable access. Highlight the need for a master plan of space locations, to help conserve limited funding and physical space constraints
- Be equipped with thought provoking questions that will help them determine if they are meeting the objective of creating an inclusive physical environment