Sara Brown

English 2
Summer A 2014
Writing a Summary of Dolmage
In From Retrofit to Universal Design, from Collapse to Occupation, Dolmage provides
an argument to encourage people to design educational systems specifically to fit people with
disabilities as equal parts of society instead of just a separate minority group that creates certain
requirements architecturally. Specifically, Dolmage argues that placing ramps and painting in
parking spaces is not enough of a contribution and the buildings and systems should initially be
designed with the disabled people in mind. As the author himself puts it, people retro-fit our
structures for access. Although some people believe this is enough of an effort to say that they
are being inclusive of disabled people, Dolmage insists that we should create spaces that make
the disabled people feel like a regular part of society as opposed to being an after-thought with
the designated ramp placed inconveniently around the back of the building. In sum, then, his
view is that we should change the way we think when designing public areas to be inclusive of
all members of society and initially assume that includes disabled people.

I have mixed feelings. In my view, the argument that Dolmage makes is a step in the
right direction but vague in the sense that he seems to mainly be referring to those with physical
disabilities, but never clearly states that. For instance, he makes many points towards the ramps
on buildings and elevators but does not seem to pay much mind to those with speech disabilities,
social impairments, anxiety issues, etc. In addition, though, he has well-thought intentions and I
agree with the goal he strives for in making education more welcoming of the handicap. Some
might object, of course, on the grounds that the handicap just are not as capable of the work that
someone who is not handicapped could have the potential to achieve. Yet, I would argue that
anyone who takes that view should make an effort to observe how even some of the most able-
bodied people can waste their lives striving for nothing while anyone with motivation, even one
with a disability, could achieve greatness if given a fair shot. Designing education systems in a
way that makes the handicap feel more like a minority does not give them an equal opportunity.
Overall, then, I believe Dolmages ideas on Universal Design are healthy and a bright outlook
for a hopeful future, but I wish more thought was put into what would happen with those who
have mental disabilities instead of physical ones.