“Changing Cityscapes: The Language of Universal Design”

The entry into force of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, marks a paradigm shift in thinking about people with disabilities, moving beyond the welfare paradigm towards a disability rights approach. The change in thinking has been accompanied by a shift in official discourse, from the use of exclusionary terminology towards inclusive language. Parallel to these developments the gradual move towards the elimination of architectural barriers has been promoted by the advocates of universal design. However, the application of universal design principles in our urban landscape is still at an early stage, and step-free access has still not been achieved in all our public spaces, so there is a need, in the words of the Austrian architect Hundertwasser, to "imagine tomorrow's world". Rethinking social categories and consequently also urban design can contribute to the elimination of social exclusion. In this connection Lakoff's concept of "frames" can be useful in casting light on hidden assumptions, ideological standpoints and unspoken prejudices about the role of people with disabilities in society.