Improve Operations with Universal Design: ICYMI

Disability affects everyone. Buildings that are accessible to people with disabilities help everyone participate safely in public life. Learn how improving accessibility helps attract tenants and increase building value.

Janelle Penny

July 28, 2025

Key Highlights

After listening to this podcast, you’ll learn:

How disability touches everyone
Why designing for inclusivity is important
How poor design is a missed opportunity to improve business operations
How universal design goes beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
The seven principles of universal design

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Accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s an opportunity to operate better, attract more tenants, and increase your building’s value. Here’s what you need to know about making your building more accessible for everyone.

Written By: Robert Nieminen

Read By: Janelle Penny

Read Article HERE: Why Universal Design is a Smart Move for Building Owners (BOMA 2025)

Show Notes:

Listen to another podcast episode about accessibility.
Read an article about universal design.
Read the Rick Hansen Foundation’s The Office Guide for Meaningful Access, which was mentioned in this article.
Read the text version of this article.

About the Author

Janelle Penny

Editor-in-Chief at BUILDINGS

Janelle Penny has been with BUILDINGS since 2010. She is a two-time FOLIO: Eddie award winner who aims to deliver practical, actionable content for building owners and facilities professionals.