The Ombudsman's visit at Hungary's first Universal Design Information and Research Center (UDIRC)

On April 3, 2014, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr. László Székely visited Hungary's first Universal Design Information and Research Center (UDIRC), operated by the Budapest Association of Persons with Disabilities (BAPD).

The Universal Design and Research Center of the BAPD represents a designer's approach that, from the first stage of the designing process, takes into consideration the differences in the needs of various users, thus creating an environment, products and services which could meet the demands of the widest possible range of consumers, irrespective of their age, sex and disabilities.

The promotion of universal design is also stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Hungary. For instance, the anti‑discrimination law of Norway stipulates the obligation to apply universal design; in countries like the US the aspects of universal design have to be taken into account during public procurement.

Dr. László Székely praised this innovative concept leading, as a result of cooperation between the state, civil and business sectors, to the creation of a consumer testing center which, through its engineering and practical expertise, promotes universal design approach. The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights listened with great interest to the accounts given on the experiences of cooperation between UDIRC and Budapest University of Technology and Economics in educating engineering students. He agreed with the conclusion that an all‑inclusive environment cannot be created without close cooperation between designers and prospective users.

Staff members with disabilities provide universal design consulting and test the usability of various products in the frameworks of research and development projects under the guidance of rehabilitation engineers and rehabilitation and environmental design experts.

UDIRC is aiming from the start at incorporating the skills and everyday experiences of people with disabilities into the aspects of designing. The Commissioner stressed the importance of including the requirement of universal design compatibility in invitations to and evaluation of public tenders, and involving universal design counseling centers as experts.

Dr. László Székely highly praised the initiative that "would not leave legislators, designers and investors on their own" and offered his cooperation to the experts concerned.

For further information please contact Ms. Erzsébet FÖLDESI, Chairperson of the Budapest Association of Persons with Disabilities (phone: +36 (30) 982‑8704; e‑mail: etikk@etikk.hu).