Universal Design at Council

Family with one person in wheelchair and one in a pram

City of Parramatta Council values diversity in its people and across the communities they serve, and has identified goals for an accessible and inclusive City and organisation across a range of strategies, action plans and policies, including:

  • Parramatta 2050
  • Community Strategic Plan (2018-2038) 
  • Social Sustainability Strategy (2024-2033) 
  • Disability Inclusion Action Plan(s)  
  • First Nations Strategy (2024-2029) 

As Universal Design and Universal Design principles offer a valuable means to supporting the achievement of these goals, City of Parramatta Council committed to Universal Design in June 2025 through a Position Statement.

Universal Design Position Statement - Inclusion is Everyone’s Business

City of Parramatta Council is committed to implementing the principles of Universal Design across all Council business to ensure our organisation and City is accessible and inclusive for everyone. This includes in the design, procurement and delivery of buildings, public spaces, Council workplaces, policies, systems, services, products and communications. 

Definition – Design for All 

Universal Design is “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design” (The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University). 

There are seven principles to Universal Design that are intended to act as a guide for genuine consideration in the design process in all fields of design. Together, the principles aim to support the health and inclusion of all people by creating products, services, environments, systems and experiences that can be used or accessed comfortably by as many people as possible. The principles go beyond consideration for level of ability or disability, to consideration for human diversity, including age, literacy or cultural background. 

The Seven Principles of Universal Design 

1. Equitable Use

 The design is useful and marketable to diverse people, across a range of abilities, genders, religious beliefs & cultural norms.
2. Flexibility in Use

 The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences, needs and abilities
3. Simple and Intuitive Use Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information The design communicates the necessary information effectively, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error The design minimises hazards and the adverse consequence of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, creating a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use, regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility.

Adapted from 'The seven principles of Universal Design' (Ron Mace et al,1997), The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University. 

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