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NEWS RELEASE

04-01-03

Contacts:
Arvid Osterberg, architecture, (515) 294-8221
Bridget Bailey, News Service, (515) 294-6881

ISU PRODUCES A GUIDEBOOK ON ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN STANDARDS

AMES, Iowa -- A new, illustrated guidebook developed at Iowa State University will help architects, landscape architects and building code officials ensure that new and existing buildings are accessible to all people.

"Access for Everyone" can be used to evaluate buildings and sites to determine appropriate accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Arvid Osterberg, the professor of architecture who led the project, said the guide provides the most current standards for planning and designing accessible buildings and sites. The standards are based on the 1998 and 2002 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

"Additional recommendations are based on principles of universal design that suggest that environments should be designed to serve the needs of a variety of users," Osterberg said.

Osterberg said the 522-page guidebook can help construction professionals understand the design needs and requirements of all people, including those with disabilities. It also will help them make informed decisions about various ways to achieve accessibility in new and existing buildings.

"Professionals and lay people can use the guide in three ways-- as a tool to review building plans and site plans, as a field guide for on-site inspections and as a reference resource for accessibility requirements," Osterberg said.

Iowa State architecture faculty collaborated on the project with staff from the university's facilities planning and management office and graduate students from several disciplines.

"Access for Everyone" costs $93.95, plus shipping. To order, call (800) 478-0048, or visit www.ubs.iastate.edu.



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