Workshops - This section is split into upcoming workshops and completed workshops.

Upcoming workshops

The Design Exchange, the Health Care, Technology & Place (HCTP) CIHR Strategic Research Training Program,
University of Toronto, the Change Foundation and Bloorview Kids Rehab invite you to attend a workshop focused
on Designing Places and Spaces for Kids' Health Care.

This call is open to design professionals, researchers, community members and students who are interested in the design of children's health care centres and how they can benefit from visionary and socially inclusive schemes. Individuals working in the disciplines of architecture, interior design, health care research, and ambient technologies will present examples of their innovative work. Presented with real life case studies, participants will learn how universal design principles can be applied to new or existing products, communication tools or environments in an economically viable manner to design spaces for all children.

Download More Information and a Registration Form (Word format - 41KB)

The Design Exchange, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, presented the very successful Universal Design Professional Development Series from January to June, 2005. This series comprised of interdisciplinary workshops and a design charrette that introduced designers and other professionals to the concept of Universal Design and how they can create accessible products, services and environments for people with disabilities and the aging population.

Workshops comprised of skilled facilitators, keynote speakers, hands-on activities, print materials and online resources. Professionals learned principles, concepts, and practical applicability through successful case studies and discussion.

Each of the workshop presentations were videotaped and a sample of each is viewable under the headings below. A full description of the topic and facilitators is also available. Best practices and workshop results have also been gathered into an Exchange publication slated to be launched in November 2005 to coincide with the opening of the exhibition, Design for the Cold.

Workshop 1 - Introduction to Universal Design

Participants will learn about the seven guiding principles of Universal Design, and be presented with successful real life case studies. This introductory workshop for the series will take place at the new headquarters of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and include a tour of the facilities, leading to a hands-on exploration of designing for low vision as a sounding board for current universal design practices. Click here for a full description of Workshop 1...

Cold temperature and vast open spaces can pose challenges for many vulnerable individuals with short and long-term health risks. Learn how to design environments that can overcome climatic and health challenges posed by cold weather. Click here for a full description of Workshop 2...

Workshop 3 - Universal Park Design for the 21st Century

Parks are public recreational spaces to be enjoyed by people regardless of age, size or ability. Discover how the application of Universal Design principles enhances the enjoyment of park environments and amenities by a wide range of people. Click here for a full description of Workshop 3...

Design Charrette: Urban Parkette

This charrette builds upon the Universal Park Design for the 21st Century workshops. Participants will work on design proposals for an urban parkette in Toronto. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend Workshop 3. Click here for a full description of the Charrette...

Workshop 4 - Creating a Universally Accessible Community

Creating Accessible Communities Communities can and should be designed, built and developed to accommodate all persons. Discover the principles of creating an accessible community through the presentation of relevant community examples and through interactive discussions. Click here for a full description of Workshop 4...

Workshop 6 - Universal Web Design

Inclusive web design not only ensure that your site reaches the largest audience, (including people with mobile devices, various bandwidths, a variety of browsers or alternative methods of access), but also makes your site more efficient to edit and maintain, more interoperable with other information systems and more functional. Click here for a full description of Workshop 5...

Workshop 6 - Universal Home: Safety and Egressibility

Today's aging population is living longer and prefers living in their own house as long as possible. Learn how homes can be modified to accommodate a person’s changing needs and abilities over time. A special focus will be paid to fire safety. Click here for a full description of Workshop 6...

Tuesday, November 8th 2005

Dayna Ayers Baumeister, PhD, facilitated a workshop at the Design Exchange on Tuesday, November 8th on the topic of Biomimicry and the Cold in conjunction with the Design Exchange’s Design for the Cold exhibit. Through interactive exercises, lively discussions, and hands-on learning, participants gained a deeper understanding of the “conscious emulation of nature’s genius” and practice being biomimics. Dayna presented design challenges and solutions applicable to winter environments using the tools of biomimicry. Click here for a full description of the Biomimicry workshop...