News and Events

Marsha Maytum a women with milky-colored skin and short blonde hair tucked behind her ears. She is wearing black square frame glasses and a bright smile.
Renowned architect Marsha Maytum, co-founder of Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects (LMSA), passed away on February 10 at the age of 69 after bravely battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While celebrated for her groundbreaking work in green design, Maytum's legacy extends far beyond her…
The Institute for Human Centered Design logo with slogan Designing Inclusively, Educating Globally
With this webcast, IHCD introduces an expanded education commitment. We plan to roll out a mix of webcasts, podcasts, interviews, and case studies this year. We believe that sharing stories and real experience delivers the most impact. Chris Downey lost his sight completely mid-career and created…
Flyer for ANFA John P. Eberhard Student Design Competition
In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, ANFA will host a design competition honoring one of its key founding members and IHCD champion, John P. Eberhard, FAIA. The goal of the competition is to create greater interest and understanding of the…
teenage girl, with brown skin and long braids, sits at her desk while using her smartphone
Invitation for blind or low-vision middle school students to participate in an accessible interactive fiction story on iPad/iPhone. For blind students, this is an audio game. For low-vision students, it's an audio game with images. Developed by a research team, the game aids in practicing social…
Before Sierra Leone goes to the polls, a training Officer is reading a tactile ballot guide to ensure persons with disabilities know how to vote (United Nations, 2018).
IHCD celebrates World Braille Day, honoring the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's revolutionary invention.  Recognized since 2019 and observed on January 4th, World Braille Day highlights Braille's crucial role in realizing human rights and freedoms. It is more than a writing system; it…
- Powerchair user and advocate, John Morris. A man with milky skin, blonde hair and visible facial scarring is wearing black glasses, a blue blazer and white button down
We're thrilled to share that John Morris, a recent addition to the IHCD Board, has been named New Mobility's 2023 Person of the Year!  This recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to advancing accessibility and inclusion in air travel. The article delves into John's impactful work and…
illustrated text in blue, yellow and green against a white backdrop reads, Happy New Year. The copy is surrounded by confetti streamers
Happy New Year from IHCD! As we step into 2024, we extend our warmest wishes for a year filled with joy, growth and inclusivity. We're grateful for the contributions we've made together in promoting inclusive design, and we're thrilled to embark on exciting developments in the coming months. Stay…
A woman with milky skin, dark features and a bright smile standing against an autumn cityscape in New England. Her chunky yellow necklace compliment her top and the foliage in the background.
IHCD is thrilled to announce the appointment of Taciana Ribeiro Saab, our new Director of the New England ADA Center (NEADA), as of November 16th. Taciana brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating positive change in disability justice. She steps into the role ably held by Oce Harrison…
Professor Emeritus Raymond Lifchez; an elderly white man with white hair wearing a gray sweater while sitting in a library
In the aftermath of Professor Emeritus Raymond Lifchez's passing (1932-2023), the Institute for Human Centered Design honors his remarkable legacy rooted in inclusive design principles. For more than 50 years, Lifchez influenced countless lives through his teaching, advocacy for inclusive design…
an access symbol of a blue character using a white cane against a yellow backdrop
White Cane Awareness Day aim to increase awareness and independence for blind individuals. The white cane enables safe navigation through diverse spaces, be it workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods. This simple yet transformative tool fosters freedom and self-sufficiency. Established to underscore…