In 2015, Americans with and without disabilities will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act; noting its impact in creating accessible spaces and also noting its continued inability to shift public and private actors to be inclusive. While the past twenty-five years since the passage of the Act receives reflection, unifying design through a disability-based prism, such as is reflected in concepts like universal design, should be part of the dialogue. Leaders with disabilities should physically and virtually be able in equal measure to work and to play. Please join the interactive dialogue that may culminate in other activities next year.
Gary C. Norman, Esq. LLM
Mr. Norman is a Civil Rights Commissioner, is an attorney and mediator, and is a visible leader with a disability partnered with a guide dog.
Many cities around the world have recognized the value of design policies that encourage development of design districts. Design districts are an interdisciplinary mix of design practitioners from various disciplines, related manufacturing, retail and distribution. The interaction between the participants of the design district foster creativity and attract a diverse audience of
visitors to the area.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) launched a new STEAM Map on Capitol Hill in collaboration with US House STEAM Caucus Chair Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) ). This innovative mapping tool visualizes STEAM activity to enable advocates and practitioners to connect with each other, share best practices and show decision makers the impact and relevancy of art and design. The STEAM Map can be found at map.stemtosteam.org. The list of STEAM members can be found here.
The European Commission recently launched an Action Plan for Design-driven Innovation across Europe. See Project speaks to the Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry at the European Commission about their experiences formulating and implementing the bold plan.
Defining Design in Maryland
Sign on to Support Establishing The Maryland Design Excellence & Innovation Commission
