July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. At Lamp Rynearson, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. This commitment is reflected in our work and culture, epitomized by our Legacy Design Guide.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month began in July 1990, commemorating the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Disability Pride Month is a celebration of identity, community, and the right to live freely and independently.
The Importance of Accessibility in Design
In the field of engineering and design, accessibility is not just a consideration; it’s a fundamental requirement. Creating spaces and infrastructures that accommodate all individuals, regardless of their abilities, is essential for fostering a truly inclusive society. This principle is at the heart of our work at Lamp Rynearson, where we strive to ensure our designs meet the highest standards of accessibility.
Accessibility in Our Legacy Design Guide
Our Legacy Design Guide is a testament to our dedication to inclusive design. It serves as a comprehensive resource, outlining best practices and standards for creating accessible and user-friendly environments. The guide is composed of five sections: leadership, community, design, construction, and measurement.
Key Features of the Legacy Design Guide:
G20 Principles for Quality of Infrastructure: The guide aligns with the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure, which emphasize sustainable, inclusive, and resilient infrastructure development. These principles highlight the importance of:
Maximizing the positive impact of infrastructure: Ensuring infrastructure projects contribute to improved quality of life.
Sustainability: Promoting environmentally responsible and resource-efficient designs.
Inclusivity: Ensuring infrastructure benefits all members of society, including vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Resilience: Building infrastructure that can withstand and adapt to various
Innovative Solutions: The Legacy Design Guide encourages innovation, showcasing creative solutions to common accessibility challenges.
Envision™ Rating: The Legacy Design Guide incorporates the Envision™ Rating system, a framework that evaluates the sustainability of infrastructure projects. By adhering to Envision™ principles, the guide ensures that our projects meet high standards for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This includes:
Quality of Life: Enhancing community well-being and public health.
Leadership: Promoting collaborative and ethical decision-making processes.
Resource Allocation: Using resources efficiently and responsibly.
Natural World: Protecting and preserving natural ecosystems.
Climate and Resilience: Addressing climate impacts and improving the resilience of infrastructure to future challenges.
Empowering Our Team
Empowerment and education are crucial in our journey towards greater accessibility. We encourage all Lamp Rynearson employees to familiarize themselves with the Legacy Design Guide and integrate its principles into their daily work. By doing so, we enhance the quality of our projects and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we invite our partners, clients, and our Community of Solvers, to join us in our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. By working together, we can create spaces that not only meet the needs of all individuals but also celebrate the diversity and richness of the human experience.
At Lamp Rynearson, we believe that thoughtful design transforms lives. The Legacy Design Guide reflects this belief, guiding us as we build a legacy of inclusivity and accessibility for all.