Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD)

Creating an environment that can be used by all people, regardless of their age, size or ability

Universal design refers to the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size or disability.
(Disability Act, 2005)

Visit the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design's website

About the CEUD

The CEUD was established by the National Disability Authority (NDA) in January 2007.

Read the Press Release for the launch of the CEUD.

The Centre’s vision

The Centre is dedicated to the principle of universal access, enabling people in Ireland to participate in a society that takes account of human difference and to interact with their environment to the best of their ability.

The main activity areas of the Centre:

  1. Standards
    To contribute to the development and promotion of standards in Universal Design, the Centre will:
    • Stimulate research by commissioning, collaborating in and conducting studies;
    • Participate in and contribute to relevant standardisation work, with national, European and international standards bodies;
    • Provide expert advice and information to relevant stakeholders involved in implementing and promoting standards;
    • Encourage compliance with national and international standards in Universal Design.
  2. Education and Professional Development
    The Centre will have responsibility to:
    • Ensure the development of appropriate Universal Design courses, in liaison with relevant academic, certifying and professional bodies;
    • Support and promote the introduction and integration of the principles of Universal Design in educational and training courses;
    • Ensure, as far as practicable, the principles and application of Universal Design are included in examinations recognised by professional bodies.
  3. Awareness
    To raise awareness of Universal Design, the Centre will:
    • Develop and maintain a knowledge base of good practice in Universal Design;
    • Promote public awareness of the difficulties encountered by people in relation to the environment;
    • Promote an understanding of Universal Design.

The Centre’s values

The Centre shares the NDA’s core values:

  • Independence
    A commitment to maintain independence and retain public confidence will be central to the way in which the Centre manages its work and its relationships with others;
  • Working Together
    Respect the experience, expertise and roles of other stakeholders;
  • Human Rights
    The Centre respects the dignity and autonomy of all individuals as equal citizens;
  • Equality
    Promote opportunities for equal participation and seek to secure equality of outcomes for all;
  • Striving for Excellence
    The Centre aims for standards of excellence in the conduct and achievement of its own work and its engagement with others.

The Centre’s partners and associates

The Centre will work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders:

  • Government departments and the public service;
  • Semi-state bodies;
  • Industry and business organisations;
  • Professionals and practitioners working in the appropriate fields;
  • Academic, accrediting and professional bodies;
  • Disability groups;
  • The general public.

The NDA is the primary statutory body with the responsibility for promoting Universal Design in Ireland through the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. The Centre’s work will focus on:

  • The built and external environment (streets, spaces, etc.);
  • Products and services provided in those places;
  • Systems including information and communications technology (ICT).

    • Contact us for more information:

    Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
    National Disability Authority
    25 Clyde Road
    Dublin 4
    Tel: (01) 608 0456
    Fax: (01) 660 9935
    Email: info@ceud.ie

    The Centre is part of the National Disability Authority.

    Page last updated: 05/14/2009