Join Our Universal Design for Cities Cohort
April 16, 2025Â - May 14, 2025
Transform the way you design urban environments with our specialized virtual Universal Design for Cities course. Learn to create city spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all citizens.Â
Register now for Early Bird PricingWhy Universal Design for Cities?
Cities are the heartbeat of our societies, and designing them inclusively is essential for fostering communities where everyone can thrive. Universal Design principles ensure that urban environments are usable and enjoyable by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. By embracing these principles, you can contribute to creating cities that are not only functional but also equitable.
What You Will Learn
Our in-depth course covers:
- Core Principles of Universal Design: Discover the fundamental concepts and their application in urban settings.
- Accessibility in Urban Planning: Learn how to analyze urban mobility systems to identify barriers to accessibility and inclusivity.
- Inclusive Infrastructure: Explore the design of public transportation, parks, buildings, and streetscapes that cater to everyone.
- Case Studies and Real-World Projects: Analyze successful inclusive city projects and engage in hands-on assignments.
- Community Engagement: Understand the importance of involving diverse communities in the design process.
Who Should Enroll?
- Urban Planners and Architects: Learn to design outdoor spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for all.
- City Officials and Policymakers: Gain insights to support the development of equitable urban policies.
- Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Discover the benefits of making your premises accessible, improving customer experience and expanding your customer base.
- Civic Leaders and Advocates: Promote and implement Universal Design principles in community projects.
Course Features
Lived Experience
This course is led by instructors who are experts in the field and have lived experience with a disability.
Live & Asynchronous
A mix of both live virtual presentations and Q&As mixed with online asynchronous learning.
Applicable Projects
A portion of this course includes an independent project assessing a location with feedback and support.
Certificate of Completion
Participants will recieve a certificate of completion after completion of the course learning and project.
Course Outline
Bonus module for European cohort members on the upcoming European Accessibility Act
List of Modules
Week 1
Wednesday, April 16 - April 23 2025
Kick off with a live call to explore the course and connect with peers. Start your self-paced learning journey, tailored for local government leaders, business owners and advocates.
Week 2
Wednesday, April 23 - April 30 2025
Dive deeper into self-paced learning with practical insights. Connect during the week with an optional group check-in call.
Week 3
Wednesday, April 30 - May 7 2025
Complete your final assignment and finish the self-paced modules with actionable strategies about creating more inclusive environments for all.
Week 4
 Wednesday, May 7 - May 14 2025
Celebrate with a live group call to share insights, showcase impactful projects, and connect with other cohort participants.
Meet the Instructors
Matthew McCann
As CEO and Founder of Access Earth, Matt leverages his experience with Cerebral Palsy to advance accessibility through Universal Design. His innovative solutions and global contributions have earned recognition from the United Nations and TEDx.Â
Kelsey Stine
Founder and CEO of Accessible Black Hills, Kelsey is an accessibility advocate in the USA who has gained national attention for her work towards inclusion and disability rights. Living with Muscular Dystrophy, she has first-hand experience of societal barriers that can be changed with advocacy.
Amy Whelan
Project Manager at Access Earth and advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Amy brings experience in developing solutions for accessibility and universal design across diverse industries. Her lived experience with a hidden disability strengthens her contributions to advancing inclusive environments.
Registration Now Open!
Early Bird pricing ends March 31, 2025.
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© 2025 Access Earth & Accessible Black Hills
This project is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. EIT Urban Mobility acts to accelerate positive change on mobility to make urban spaces more liveable. Learn more: eiturbanmobility.eu
