Málaga Will Host the 'II International Forum of Universal Design'

Málaga, Spain. 17th and 18th February 2011. The II International Forum of Universal Design will be held in the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, offering new solutions to implement the universal design in all aspects of society; achieving the representation and participation of all the related sectors and becoming a meeting point for the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The 2nd International Forum of Universal Design is address to decision makers from the public sector, professionals, businessmen related to those sectors, specialists of the education sector, associations and the general public. It will include a series of theme tables where subjects of the field of universal design will be discussed. For instance, the ways of communication derived from the rise of new technologies and the advantage of home automation and accessible building.

Furthermore, the Forum will focus especially on the new town planning proposal that defends the ‘city for all’, where everyone without exception can enjoy culture, leisure and tourism. In this sense, there will be on the table fundamental issues such as transport, mobility or the economic and social aspects related to their management.

One of the main novelties of this edition is the addition in the facilities of an Space of Experiences, where outstanding good practices related to the world of Universal Design will be compiled. This will be done through graphic panels, underscoring the subjects dealt with in the Forum and related to the new ways of communication derived from the ‘technological revolution’ and the new concept of accessible city.

There will be also an I D I zone ‘Innovation for All’ where the new developments and applications related to universal design, accessibility and mobility will be exposed. On the other hand, spaces like the area of Exposition will be kept, where several companies and institutions will show products and solutions, as well as the Networking zone and the workshops and exhibition addressed to the visitors.

The strong commitment of the institutions and companies, together with the level of participation, make this initiative one of the most important events in this field in the Spanish territory.

The International Forum of Universal Design is organized by Málaga City Council, the Council of Equality and Welfare of the Council of Andalucía, the Foundation ONCE, and the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI). It also counts with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Social Politics through IMSERSO and the Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad, the National Centre of Personal Autonomy and Technical Support as well as the Spanish Federation of Towns and Provinces (FEMP).

Further information is available at the website of Design for All Foundation

Fundación ONCE is a Founding Member of ENAT and Member of the ENAT Board.

Design for All Foundation is an Honorary Associate Member of ENAT.