Universal Design and Low-Vision Rehabilitation: The Case for a Holistic Lighting Assessment

Area of Science:

• Built Environment Studies
• Rehabilitation Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Universal Design (UD) is recognized as a key strategy for addressing accessibility barriers.
• The practical impact and evaluation methods for UD in rehabilitation remain underexplored.
• Low-vision rehabilitation presents a unique challenge at the intersection of disability and the built environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rehabilitative potential of Universal Design (UD) in the context of low-vision.
• To develop and evaluate a method for assessing the impact of UD in real-world settings.
• To explore the relationship between UD principles and rehabilitation practices.

Main Methods:

• A case study of low-vision rehabilitation utilizing a holistic lighting assessment (HLA).
• Employed participant observation (15 consultations), document analysis, and interviews with low-vision consultants.
• Utilized an actor-network theory (ANT) approach for analysis.

Main Results:

• The holistic lighting assessment (HLA) revealed diverse understandings of light, encompassing quantitative, perceptual, functional, and social aspects.
• HLA integrated social and physical contexts, moving beyond traditional accessibility measures.
• Actor-network theory highlighted the interplay between individuals, environments, and assistive strategies.

Conclusions:

• Universal Design (UD) and rehabilitation, while differing in abstraction levels, can mutually enhance each other's practices and theoretical frameworks.
• The holistic lighting assessment (HLA) provides a model for evaluating UD's impact in specific rehabilitation contexts.
• Integrating UD principles into environmental assessments can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions for individuals with low vision.