Collaborators

Please meet our respected Collaborators listed below. We are very proud of the distinguished organizations that have joined us in prsenting the Designing for the 21st Century III Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The common denominator among this diverse group is a shared desire to change the world. We know that our only hope of success is to work together.

Association on Higher Education And Disability
(http://www.ahead.org)
The Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) is an international, multicultural organization of professionals committed to full participation in higher education for persons with disabilities. The Association is a vital resource, promoting excellence through education, communication and training. The Association's numerous training programs, workshops, publications, and conferences are planned and developed by its elected officials and governing board and carried out by the full-time Executive Director and staff. AHEAD was founded in 1977 to address the need and concern for upgrading the quality of services and support available to persons with disabilities in higher education.

AIGA - American Institute of Graphic Arts
(http://www.aiga.org)
The purpose of AIGA is to set the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political and cultural contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. AIGA was founded in 1914 and now represents more than 16,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by 47 chapters and more than 150 student groups.

Architecture for Humanity
(www.architectureforhumanity.org)
Architecture for Humanity is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 to promote architectural and design solutions to global, social and humanitarian crises. Through competitions, workshops, educational forums, partnerships with aid organizations and other activities, Architecture for Humanity creates opportunities for architects and designers from around the world to help communities in need. They believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.

Boston Society of Architects
(http://www.architects.org/)
The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) administers programs and provides resources that enhance the practice of architecture and the public and professional understanding of design. Since its establishment in 1867, this nonprofit professional service organization has been a committed advocate of excellence in the built environment and increased service of the profession to society.

Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI)
(http://www.cefpi.org)
The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) is the only professional organization whose principle purpose is improving the places where children learn. CEFPI embraces all stakeholders who are interested and committed to building healthy, safe, high performing school facilities and stronger communities. The Council functions as the world-wide convening organization to share knowledge, experiences and best practices of planning, designing, building, renovating and maintaining learning environments that center a community and enhance student achievement.

Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
(http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/)
The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center), founded in 1984, is an initiative of the University at Buffalofs School of Architecture and Planning. It is dedicated to improving the design of environments and products by making them more usable, safe and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities, throughout their life spans. The Center is active in basic and applied research, design development, community service, and education.

Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange
(http://cirrie.buffalo.edu)
The mission of International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) is to facilitate the sharing of information and expertise in disability and rehabilitation between the U.S. and other countries. Its programs include an on-line database of international research, a two-way travel grant program and educational materials on culture and disability.

The Center for Research and Consulting for the Gerontological Habitat
(http://www.socearq.org)
The Center for Research and Consulting for the Gerontological Habitat (CIAHG, Centro de Investigación y Asesoramiento para el Hábitat Gerontológico) from the Sociedad Central de Arquitectos (Buenos Aires, Argentina) conducts research on housing, urbanism, transportation and connected services for aged people. The CIAHG is a consultant for governmental and non-governmental organizations that develop housing plans for aged people. The CIAHG organizes courses of study and lectures about impotant themes such as "Architecture and the Alzheimer Disease" and "Accesibility for disabled and aged people." The CIAHG is organizing a Congress by the name of "Architecture and Design for Aging" in Buenos Aires, November 18 and 19, 2004.

Center for Universal Design
College of Design, NC State University
(http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud)
The Center is a US-based organization which provides a number of services regarding UD and the built envrionment. The Center conducts research on universal design, provides education and training, conducts design development activities, provides extension activities including advice to codes, standards and various policy committees, and provides technical assistance and information and referral services. The Center is an RERC funded by NIDRR.

Danish Centre for Accessibility
(http://www.dcft.dk)
Danish Centre for Accessibility (DCFT) is a knowledge centre and a provider of consultancy services within accessibility and Design for All. DCFT works to ensure the largest possible number of people the greatest degree of accessibility, particularly focusing on product design, information technology, transport and buildings. The centre was established 1997 and is today an independent institution, funded partially by the Danish National Agency for Enterprise and Housing.

Design for All Foundation
(http://www.designforall.org)
The Design for All Foundation aims to promote the adaptation of environments, products and services to any individualfs needs and wishes. Through education programs, publications, agreements with administrations and specifically through the "Commitment to Design for All" (focusing on companiesf Corporate Social Responsibility in Design for All), the Foundation has developed its activities worldwide.

Disabled Peoples International
(http://www.dpi.org/)
Disabled Peoples' International is a network of national organizations or assemblies of disabled people, established to promote human rights of disabled people through full participation, equalization of opportunity and development.

Ecocity Builders
(http://www.ecocitybuilders.org)
A California-based international NGO exploring ecological city, town and village design and planning. We have active hands-on projects - urban orchards, creek restoration, building redesign, solar greenhouse, consulting on "Green Plans" - in the Berkeley and Oakland communities and have organized the International Ecocity Conference series held so far in Berkeley, California; Adelaide, Australia; Yoff, Senegal; Curitiba, Brazil and Shenzhen, China.

The European Institute for Design and Disability
(http://www.design-for-all.org/)
The European Institute for Design and Disability, EIDD, was founded in Dublin in 1993 with the aim of promoting better design for people with disabilities. The founding philosophy of the Institute has always been embedded in design-for-all, a philosophy which aims to improve the life of everyone through design.

The Foresight Design Initiative
(http://www.foresightdesign.org/)
The Foresight Design Initiative seeks to improve and sustain the quality of life in the urban environment through intelligent design, without sacrificing the needs of future generations. Embracing strategies that engage design practitioners, government agencies, the business and non-profit communities, and the public, Foresight collaborates to develop and empower initiatives, build community support and engender a positive human evolution. It is a member of the international o2 network.

Green Map System
(http://www.greenmap.org)
The award-winning Green Map System empowers local project leaders through adaptable tools and a global iconography to create environmental asset maps that function as quick guides to greener living and engage participation toward better, healthier hometowns. Active in more than 235 places in 39 countries, 150 Green Maps have been published to date.

Helen Hamlyn Research Centre
(http://www.hhrc.rca.ac.uk)
The Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art, London, works to advance a socially inclusive approach to design through practical research and projects with industry.

Hong Kong Institute of Architects
(http://www.hkia.net)
The Institute works for the advancement of Architecture and to promote and facilitate the acquirement of knowledge of the various Arts and Sciences connected therewith. The Institute is committed to raising the standard of architecture in Hong Kong and the standard of professional service offered by its members.

Industrial Designers Society of America
(http://www.idsa.org)
IDSA is the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design.

IDSA's mission is threefold:

• Lead the profession by expanding our horizons, connectivity and influence, and our service to members
• Inspire design quality and responsibility through professional development and education
• Elevate the business of design and improve our industry's value

Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil - Departamento do Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian Institute of Architects
(http://www.iabrj.org.br/)
The Brazilian Institute of Architects was founded on January 26, 1921 and it is committed to bringing all Brazilian architects together and promoting the development of architecture and urbanism throughout Brazil. Through competitions, workshops, educational forums, and other activities, IAB has become widely known throughout Brazil and is the only institution in the country that represents the International Union of Architects.

International Association for Humane Habitat
(http://www.humanehabitat.org)
The International Association for Humane Habitat (IAHH) is a voluntary non-governmental organization of concerned professionals and citizens based in Mumbai, India and networking with architects, institutions and universities all over the world.

The International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA)
(www.ictaglobal.org)
The International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA), is a commission of RI, an international non-governmental organization. ICTA is concerned with all areas of accessibility: including habitat, transportation, and communications, assistive technologies and accessible web design. ICTA has members from over 100 countries, people who are dedicated to promoting accessibility of the built and virtual environment.

International Federation on Ageing
(http://www.ifa-fiv.org/)
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1973, linking approximately 151 associations that represent or serve older persons at the grassroots level in some 54 nations around the world. IFA is committed to the dignity, independence and empowerment of older persons. Through IFA, individuals and organizations that work with older persons or on their behalf can exchange information and ideas, communicate common concerns, share practical applications, and learn from each other's experiences. IFA strives for a future where everyone is working together to advance the well-being and active involvement of all persons in an ageing world population.

Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society
(http://www.jice.or.jp/fukushi/)
The Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society is an interdisciplinary organization. It includes many experts and scholars of users, architectural fields, civil engineering fields, rehab. fields, human factor fields, welfare field, etc.

Latin Trade Magazine
(www.latintrade.com)
Latin Trade is Latin Americafs largest and most respected pan-regional business magazine. For 10 years, we have provided our more than 350,000 readers with a global business perspective on the people, companies, and ideas that are shaping corporate developments in Latin America and the Caribbean. Each issue contains coverage of the top business issues, exciting new opportunities, and cutting-edge technology.

Lighthouse International
(http://www.lighthouse.org)
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation services, education, research, prevention and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives.

Mobility International USA
(http://www.miusa.org)
As a US-based national non-profit organization, the mission of Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is:

• to empower people with disabilities around the world through international exchange, information, technical assistance and training;



• to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in international exchange and development programs.

National Center for Accessible Media
(http://ncam.wgbh.org/)
The CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) is a research and development facility dedicated to the issues of media and information technology for people with disabilities in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. NCAM's mission is: to expand access to present and future media for people with disabilities; to explore how existing access technologies may benefit other populations; to represent its constituents in industry, policy and legislative circles; and to provide access to educational and media technologies for special needs students.

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
(http://www.raic.org)
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), established in 1907, is a voluntary national association representing more than 3,000 professional architects, and Faculty and graduates of accredited Canadian Schools of Architecture, from every region of the country. RAIC is the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada. It provides the national framework for the development and recognition of architectural excellence.

Royal Australian Institute of Architects
(http://www.architecture.com.au)
The Royal Australian Institute of Architects is a national body consisting of 8000 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute was formed in 1930 when state architectural Institutes combined to form a unified national association with the following aims:

• To advance architecture
• To maintain the integrity and standing of the profession
• To promote the profession's views nationally and internationally
• To encourage the study of architecture

The Royal Society of Arts
(http://www.rsa.org.uk/)
The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) was founded in 1754 by William Shipley, a painter and social activist. He brought together a group of individuals to propose a manifesto for Society "to embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine arts, improve our manufactures and extend our commerce". Today the RSA is an independent, non-aligned, multi-disciplinary registered charity with over 22,000 Fellows. They encouarge sustainable economic development and the release of human potential through a programme of projects and a national lecture programme consisting of over 100 events every year. Primarily based in London, the Society also has a number of regional Fellowship groups around the UK and across the world.

SACI Network
(http://www.saci.org.br)
SACI Network is a Brazil-based organization that facillitates the communication and diffusion of information on disabilities and works to promote the social inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.

Sensory Trust
(http://www.sensorytrust.org.uk)
The Sensory Trust is a UK-based organisation. It promotes & implements best practice approaches to inclusive public greenspace design, management interpretation, education & policy issues; addressing physical, intellectual social & economic barriers, Ensuring opportunities for environmental education, access and participation are availible to everyone, regardless of disability, age or background.

SHEKEL
(http://www.shekel.org.il)
SHEKEL is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded in 1979 to provide community services for people in Israel of all ages and from all sectors of society with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. SHEKEL believes that everyone has the right to live in the community and realize his potential and develops and operates a continuum of services to make this possible.

One of SHEKELfs programs is the Israel Center for Accessibility. Founded in 1998, its goal is to further the independence and dignity of people with special needs by removing physical and communication barriers, promoting public knowledge and awareness and developing major accessibility projects in public transportation, universities, museums, offices, homes and public areas.

Universal Design Newsletter
(http://www.UniversalDesign.com)
Universal Design Newsletter specializes in facility and design-related information relating to Universal Design, the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility! Universal Design Newsletter features articles on late breaking news that affects businesses and facilities. Where else can you stay up to date with reports on the latest research, court decisions, building codes and accessibility regulations? Get advice from the world's leading experts in Universal Design? Learn about the latest in Universal Design publications, projects and products? The answer? Only in Universal Design Newsletter.

World Bank - Disability and Development
(http://www.worldbank.org/disability)
The World Bank not only finances development projects involving disability components - such as in education, health care, infrastructure, employment, de-institutionalization, children and youth - but also works in a wide variety of disability-related fields, such as data collection and statistics, research and analysis, technical assistance and knowledge sharing. These activities will have an impact upon disabled people or their organizations. Applying a disability lens to all Bank projects, and making them inclusive of everyone, will eventually improve the prospects of poor disabled people in developing countries.

World Institute on Disability
(http://www.wid.org)
WID is an internationally recognized public policy center organized by and for people with disabilities. WID advances the rights of people with disabilities to actively participate in their lives by supporting the disability movement with research, training, advocacy and public education. WID has been in operation since 1983 and has included a Technology Policy Division since 1989. The purpose of WID's work in this area has been to promote the availability of universally-designed and affordable technology to enable people with disabilities to work, learn, participate in society and achieve their goals.

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