Universal Design means creating physical and digital environments that address the needs of the broadest range of users possible. This includes individuals in the aging and disability communities.
"Universal Design is the practice of designing products so they are usable by the broadest possible audience … without reducing the usability or attractiveness for mass or core audiences of the product. With Universal Design, the goal is to ensure maximum flexibility, benefits, and ease of use for as many individuals as possible."
(Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee Final Report, January, 1997 §1.2)
AT&T commits to using Universal Design principles in the design and development of new and redesigned physical and digital environments. We do so consistent with applicable laws, such as Sections 255 and 713 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
We believe that Universal Design:
Based on this commitment, we will also:
At AT&T, applying Universal Design principles is a team effort that occurs across the company. Leadership comes from the AT&T Corporate Accessibility Technology Office (CATO). Led by the Chief Accessibility Officer, this group includes staff with extensive experience in business, compliance, technology, and accessibility, including certified accessibility professionals. They define corporate standards, offer training, and provide tools and resources to help ensure that Universal Design principles are applied and accessibility implemented by project teams throughout the company. CATO partners with all internal organizations to advance our efforts to ensure inclusion through Universal Design and accessibility. For this, they have been recognized as an industry model.