Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment, services and systems so they are accessible to everybody. ALONE recognises that using a Universal Design approach is valuable for the older people they serve. The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD), established by the National Disability Authority (NDA), is dedicated to enabling the design of the built and digital environments including services and systems to maximise their accessibility and usability.
This report, produced collaboratively by ALONE and CEUD, outlines ALONE’s application of the European Standard (EN 17161: 2019) as a framework for Universal Design. The standard aims to ensure that products, services, and systems are designed to be accessible, understandable, and usable by a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities. The report highlights how selected sections of EN 17161 were implemented in ALONE’s Sláintecare project, which focused on providing technology tailored to the needs of older people, helping them manage their health and age comfortably at home.
Recognised as an Early Adopter of EN 17161 in 2021, ALONE utilised this collaborative experience to equip its staff with essential resources and skills. This has enabled ALONE to further integrate these standards into their practices, promoting continuous improvement in accessibility.