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so I thought I was pretty good at what I did. I also considered myself pretty well-versed in training methodology and history.

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A better example of this principle is the low tech tool of the mounting block. The history of this tool dates back hundreds of years. It is a modified step stool to help ladies for modesty, the elderly, and those with physical limitations mount a horse or climb into a carriage. We still use the mounting block today to assist those who cannot mount from the ground. For those who cannot climb steps, we have high tech assistance of a specialized crane that lifts someone from a seated position into the saddle.

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What we have learned from modern studies is that the mounting block should be used by all riders at all times. It is better for every persons muscles and joints, prevents injury to the rider, and supports the health of the horses spine.
This is an example of how a low tech assistive device, like a mounting block or a curb ramp, can end up helping all of a population. Mounting blocks have since been found to have more universal uses than just as a tool for people with limited physical mobility. This low tech, cheaply aquired, device can be found in almost every horse stable now.
Dell, A. G. (2017). Assistive Technology in the Classroom, 3rd Edition. [Chegg]. Retrieved from https://ereader.chegg.com/#/books/9780134170480/

Geutjens, C. A., Clayton, H. M., & Kaiser, L. J. (2008). Forces and pressures beneath the saddle during mounting from the ground and from a raised mounting platform. The Veterinary Journal, 175(3), 332-337.

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She had physical limitations that meant she was taller than I was and half my body weight. Everything about her screamed fragile. She was also one of the best riders I had ever seen. If we consider horses to be "technology or a tool" in this situation, she used this tool in ways I had never imagined possible. The methodology in which she trained was better and more efficient than what I knew and it was because of the modifications she had to make.

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Dunnage, C. (n.d.). Disabled horse riding hoists. Retrieved June 8, 2018, from http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk/disabled-horse-riding-hoists.html

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Hoists and Lifts for Disabled Horse Riding

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Dolphin Mobility provide many hoist solutions for lifting disabled people onto horses.

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Seeing other technologies and how they are universally designed has made me realize how much I take for granted my lack of limitations. Going into a building, I always try to use the door with the handle and pull the door open myself instead of the automatic door with the push button. It is not a necessity for me to use the automatic door, and I do not want to be taking up a service that is a necessity for someone else.

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Learning about universal design has helped me realize all the options that are out there. They do not only help those with physical limitations but they are also helpful for people who are pushing a baby stroller. They will need to use the automatic door instead of trying to open it on their own.

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This concept has made me realize that while there might have been something created for people with disabilities, it may end up being beneficial for everyone. The most prominent example I can think of is the ramp. While it may have been created for people with a wheelchair, the ramp is also beneficial for people who have a stroller, shopping cart, or even weak joints.

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This was a great post that got me thinking about universal design. Safety features like non-slip floor tiles or tools such as handles are things that can benefit all people. It gives me a greater appreciation for universal design and changes my conception about my own limitations. I realize that there are many things around us that are meant to benefit all. There are times when we do not even realize that something is designed with a specific purpose to help us all.

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Universal Design is embedded into our society and people, including myself, take the low-tech assistive technology for granted sometimes. Being a mother I've dealt with my fair share of designs not being entirely universal and therefore have proved to be harder for me to use while I had my daughter with me. I have been to a school for observation which specialized in special education and they made sure every single room and amenity was accessible to everyone.

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I think learning about universal design has helped me realized that I take something for grated that other people actually need. When I started nanny a girl with special needs I realized how difficult it can be pushing a stroller with an eight old who can"t walk and how using the ramps and automatic doors are the best thing ever. They are every where and you don"t notice tell start to think about it.

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Universal design is very important. When they are gone we realize how we took it for granted so I can't imagine what it is like for someone who actually needs it.

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Universal design is all over the place and we use it whether it was meant for us or not, such as the ramps built in the sidewalk going from sidewalk to street, automatic lights in a classroom, or pop top food storage containers. All of these and so much more were made with a purpose in mind., to make it easier for a certain type of people, but they are used by many more people than the intended. Which is alright. It just means that is was a good design.

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The other day at work I buzzed in a parent to come in for her therapy session and she came forth to tell me that she wanted to put in a formal complaint about the door. Our security door doesn't automatically open for anyone so when you come in with a large child who's in a wheelchair it's pretty difficult to bring them into the building. Being that it's a clinic that services children with physical disabilities you would've thought someone would've thought of this before but I didn't. When you create a universally designed environment you are left with a variety of perspectives from different individuals.