Excellence in Accessible Design Education (EADE) is APA’s effort to elevate academic and professional education by integrating essential accessible design principles and their associated codes and standards into the curricula of professional design programs. EADE proposes enhanced learning outcomes and competencies within architecture and interior design curricula to ensure graduates are prepared to create fully accessible environments, fulfilling the profession’s moral and regulatory commitment to serve all people with equality, dignity, and respect.

We are pleased to report that we now have over 85 individual and organizational supporters, including the International Code Council (ICC), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and Dr. Sachin Pavithran, Executive Director of the United States Access Board. To see the full list of supporters and learn more, visit the EADE webpage.

Recent Advocacy Efforts

In mid-June we met with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). During this meeting, we gained insight into the NAAB Accreditation Standards Revision process and proposed specific areas where EADE-aligned language could be incorporated into the existing standards. Our goal is to emphasize the regulatory requirements that all architects are legally and ethically obligated to understand and integrate into their professional practice. NAAB is expected to release a draft of its new criteria this fall, followed by a public comment period. We will notify you as soon as that window opens and encourage you to share your feedback.

More recently we had a very positive meeting with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA is in the midst of a major revision of its standards, and we are awaiting the release of the draft new standards in mid-September. The public comment period is expected to run September 15 to October 15.

How You Can Help Now

Your advocacy remains vital to our progress. Please consider taking the following actions:

• Engage: Like and share the APA LinkedIn and Facebook posts regarding EADE to help increase our visibility.
• Advocate: Encourage your colleagues to visit the EADE webpage and sign on to show their support. No further commitment is required to join the cause.
• Connect Us with Allied Organizations: Contact MindaWeldon@APAaccess.org if you can facilitate an introduction to any of the following organizations:
  • AAHID - American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers
  • IIDA - The Commercial Interior Design Association
  • ASID - American Society of of Interior Designers
  • IDCEC-International Design Continuing Education Council
  • CIDQ- Council for Interior Design Qualifications - authors NCIDQ  exam
  • IDEC - Interior Design Educators Council