Inclusive Design Research Centre

Inclusive Design Research Centre

The Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) is a research and development center dedicated to promoting inclusive design practices. It is affiliated with the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) in Toronto, Canada. The center focuses on ensuring that emerging information technology and practices are designed inclusively, considering the diverse needs of users.

History

The IDRC was established in 1993 as the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC) at the University of Toronto. It was founded by Jutta Treviranus, a pioneer in the field of inclusive design. In 2010, the center moved to OCAD University and was renamed the Inclusive Design Research Centre to better reflect its broader focus on inclusive design beyond adaptive technology.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the IDRC is to support the design of systems, products, and services that are accessible to the widest range of users, including those with disabilities. The center aims to:

• Promote inclusive design principles and practices.
• Conduct research on inclusive design methodologies.
• Develop tools and resources to support inclusive design.
• Collaborate with industry, government, and community organizations to implement inclusive design solutions.

Research Areas

The IDRC engages in a variety of research areas, including:

• Inclusive Education: Developing educational tools and resources that accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Digital Accessibility: Ensuring that digital content and platforms are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
• User-Centered Design: Focusing on the needs and preferences of users in the design process.
• Policy and Standards: Contributing to the development of policies and standards that promote inclusive design.

Projects

The IDRC has been involved in numerous projects aimed at advancing inclusive design, such as:

• Floe Project: A project that provides tools and resources to make educational content more accessible.
• GPII (Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure): An initiative to create a global infrastructure that provides access to assistive technologies and services.
• Inclusive Design Guide: An online resource offering guidelines and best practices for inclusive design.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The IDRC collaborates with a wide range of partners, including academic institutions, industry leaders, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. These collaborations help to advance the center's mission and extend the impact of its work.

See Also

• Universal Design
• Accessibility
• Assistive Technology