Developing Evidence-Based Standards: A Case Study in Knowledge Translation
Authors
Edward Steinfeld, Clive D'Souza and Jonathan WhiteSession
C2. Standards, strategies and planningDate and Time
2014-06-17, 10:20 - 11:00Room
MA 9Abstract
In the U.S. the technical criteria in a voluntary building standard called ICC/ANSI A117.1. are the basis for minimum building regulations that accommodate wheeled mobility users. Research conducted in 1970’s was the basis for these criteria but since that time, wheelchairs and their users have changed considerably. This paper describes a research and development project designed to update the evidence for these technical criteria and communicate them to the standards committee, the majority of whom do not have a background in either research or building design practice, in a manner that would facilitate making good decisions. A graphic method was used to communicate research findings so that members of the committee could understand the impact of their decisions. The graphics are now available to practitioners who seek to accommodate a wider range of wheeled mobility users than the minimum standards required by regulations. Thus these tools provide a visual evidence base for regulatory activity and universal design practice with higher ambitions.