Presently the general focus of the marketplace develops products and environments for the young and able-bodied user. As part of our growing commitment to the principles of universal design, the Design center for Global Needs in the Department of Design and Industry at San Francisco State University conducted an "Universal Design Symposium and Workshop" from October 17th-20th, 1996. This "public" participatory seminar and workshop consisted of DAI students, as well as design students, faculty, designers and disability advocates from across the U.S. and abroad.

The purpose of this seminar was to heighten the awareness of the functional requirements and opportunities for the development of "universal designed" products that meet the needs of a growing and aging marketplace. The focus of the workshop was to develop Kitchen and Bathroom environment space and related products which facilitated and sustained independent living in the home environment. A sustainable and universal environment that will work well for all people, while simultaneously improving their livelihood.

This applied educational forum was comprised of an interdisciplinary symposium involving panelists from the fields of product, graphic and environmental design in conjunction with professionals working in the areas of aging and disabilities. The symposium and workshop explored what new market opportunities could be generated through Universal Design. Marketing opportunities that are capable of forging linkages between designers, businesses, end users and the professionals working in the areas aging and disabilities.

Ralph Hotchkiss, of the Whirlwind Wheelchair International gave the keynote address, followed by the debut slide presentation of NEA Images in Universal Design Excellence by John Saleman, president of Universal Designers & Consultants, Inc.

Following the NEA presentation the reknowned guest panelists for the symposium, Susan Goltsman, MIG, Berkeley, CA; Abir Mullick, SUNY, Buffalo, NY; Molly Story, Center for Universal Design, NCSU, Raleigh, NC; Betsy Bayha, World Institute on Disabilities, Berkeley, CA; Barry Atwood, Accessible Environmets, Berkeley, CA; Dr. Paul Longmore, SFSU History; responded to the NEA Images..., in addition they shared with the audience their opinions/experiences of universal design applications.

Following the symposium a two day workshop was held involving teams of students from design schools, as well as design professionals in the Bay Area of northern California. The results of the workshops culminated the following day with a public presentation and forum at San Francisco State University.