Often when the word disability comes up, so do terms like accessible and adaptive. A lot of times people use them interchangeably, but are they really interchangeable? What do adaptive and accessible mean?
Adaptive is making the modifications in a scenario work for someone with a disability. An example could be driving hand controls that allow someone to accelerate, brake, and steer using their hands.
Accessibility is ensuring that a space, room, building, or thing fits the regulation of accessibility standards. An example of accessibility would be a lift that allows someone to ride public transportation.
Universal Design starts with the idea of the product, room, building, or space and thinks about how to design it so everyone, regardless of ability or disability, can use it without needing to modify it. An example of this could be a building built with an open floor concept.
Now that we have our definitions set, I intend to create an adaptive hair tool to help someone with a disability put their hair up. I am creating a tool to modify the experience of tying one’s hair in a ponytail for someone with fine motor weaknesses.
References
Accessible vs. Adaptable Units: Understanding the Crucial Difference. Access Built. (n.d.). https://www.accessbuilt.com/blog/accessible-vs-adaptable-units-understanding-the-crucial-difference
College of Design. (2006). FactSheet #6. Raleigh; North Carolina State University.