Included by Design

“We make sure all people are included by design," says Sean Crump, who is on a mission to create a more inclusive world through universal design. As co-founder and CEO of Included by Design, he works with organizations to assess their spaces and identify solutions that will lead to a more inclusive environment for everyone in a way that goes beyond accessibility. Included by Design doesn’t want to just change physical spaces, the company wants to change everyone’s perception of accessibility and remove barriers that prevent social inclusion.

Most of us will experience a need for universal design at some point, whether it’s because of an injury, using a stroller or having limited abilities as an aging adult. Yet people with disabilities continue to be under-represented through the development of our buildings, spaces and communities. Crump has experienced this firsthand. Since an accident in 2004, he has lived as a quadriplegic and uses a wheelchair. Seeing a crucial need for more inclusive environments, he has dedicated his career to helping organizations understand accessibility in its entirety.

Included by Design assesses spaces and layouts, provides expertise on how those spaces need to be adapted and helps project-manage to see those changes through. Crump and his team have worked with organizations like the University of Calgary, Glenbow Museum and WinSport. All people should be able to use spaces the way they were intended.

Visit Included by Design's website for more information.

Included by Design has received investment from UCeed, a venture philanthropy fund accelerating UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy. A key program in the UCalgary innovation ecosystem, UCeed bridges the gap between innovation, demonstration and commercialization, and is managed by UCalgary’s knowledge-transfer and business incubator, Innovate Calgary.

UCeed Social Impact Fund is powered by the generosity of the United Way of Calgary and Area and its mission to mobilize communities for lasting social change and the Government of Alberta’s Creative Partnerships bold initiative to support arts and non-profit sectors.