Environmental factors

Accessibility Standards: Ramp slope

Rise to run gradient recommended as an alternative to stairs for facilitating accessible entry into homes or buildings (e.g., 1 inch (2.54 cm) of rise should have 12 inches (30.5 cm) of length)

Environmental factors of healthy adolescent development

Social, cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence self-development and acquisition of occupational performance skills for individuals between 12-18 years of age

Clinometer

Environmental assessment tool used to measure lateral slope of a ramp, floor, or pathway

Enhanced lighting

Environmental solution for low vision that may include lighting customization:
• consistent with a person’s visual abilities
• in context according to ambient conditions
• based on results of an analysis of the desired occupation

Universal design

The term used to describe feature considerations for products and spaces that are intended to benefit users of most sizes and abilities without special adaptation or modification

Personal context

Conditions within the individual that uniquely influence occupational performance including:
• stable factors (e.g., age, long standing belief structure)
• dynamic factors (e.g., pain, mood, and fatigue)

Force measure

Environmental assessment tool for measuring push or pull force required to manage:
• doors
• drawers
• windows

Home modification process

Process of identifying and eliminating structural barriers in the living environment to improve accessibility and support engagement in occupation

Universal Design Principle: Equitable use

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments is useful and marketable to potential users of varying abilities

Built environment

Architectural and design features of buildings, dwellings, or homes

Universal Design Principle: Flexibility in use

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments accommodates for a wide range of individual preferences and abilities

Inclusive design

The needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities are considered when developing products and designing spaces

Least restrictive environment

Academic context allowing students with disabilities to receive their education and all academic and related services in the same setting as children who do not have disabilities

Light meter

Assessment tool used for measuring ambient and natural lighting levels in context to determine areas of poor illumination that may hinder optimal occupational performance

Universal Design Principle: Perceptible information

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments communicates necessary information effectively to the users, regardless of the ambient conditions and the user's sensory abilities

Universal Design Principle: Simple and intuitive use

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments is easily understood by all potential users

Cultural context

Beliefs, customs, and values that are shared by individuals within a group or community and that influence activity choice

Play space

Designated environment designed for children to foster:
• exploration
• play
• socialization

Barrier free design

Environmental plan that eliminates physical obstructions, allows for optimal performance and access for individuals with disabilities

Universal Design Principle: Low physical effort

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments allows for efficient expenditure of physical energy

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

A framework that guides the design of educational curriculum and environments to support optimal academic outcome for all students in the classroom

Universal Design Principle: Size and space for approach and use

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments provides for sufficient size and space for approach, reach and manipulation for users of varying sizes, abilities, and levels of mobility

Social context

Elements within and surrounding a client that influence interpersonal and individual behaviors during occupational performance

Universal Design Principle: Tolerance for error

One of the seven guiding principles for universal design whereby the design of products and environments minimizes risk of injury or unexpected circumstances

Physical environment

Context(s) that support or hinder occupational performance and participation includes:
• built surroundings (e.g., home, workplace, cement walkway)
• natural surrounds (e.g., hills, plants, trees)