The CAT at the University at Buffalo conducts research, education and service to increase knowledge about assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Activities are multidisciplinary and integrate government, academic, public health and business sectors to improve quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.