Designed for Users: Universal Design Plus Human Factors

We look to membership associations for the work they sponsor and for the expertise of their members.  This may include research; publications; standards and guidelines; and education.  In universal design, human factors, and ergonomics:

• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society is group whose members share an interest in ergonomics.
• Other groups have a broader scope, including a strong interest in human factors.  Just a few examples of this type of organization: 
  • SAE International: Society of Automotive Engineers
  • American Psychological Association
• For universal design, individuals tend to group by narrower interests.  You will find universal design expertise within, for example,:
  • American Institute of Architects
  • ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) - here you might look for "digital inclusiveness"
  • Your professional organization might have its own formal or informal group working to advance the area.

Research centers are established to bring attention to a topic of interest, usually promoting research and providing educational information. Some examples for universal design and ergonomics:

• Universal Design Institute 
• Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
• The Ergonomics Center
• Texas A&M Ergo Center

More will come up through author affiliations in research papers and books.

The laws and regulations associated with design and access are the products of governmental bodies.  Additionally, government agencies gather information, provide statistics based on that information, develop standards, and provide educational materials.  

This guide is an in-depth discussion of government information, including pages on find federal laws and regulations.  Here are some specific sites that may be helpful: