The year 2020 marked a significant milestone in the history of civil rights law in the United States. It was the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark legislation that aimed to ensure equality for all people with disabilities. Over the past three decades, significant progress has been made towards enhancing accessibility, creating purpose-built environments, and improving understanding of the capabilities of people with disabilities. Despite this progress, however, there are still profound disparities that persist in all areas of life for individuals with disabilities.
According to the CDC's 2018 report, approximately 1 in 4 U.S. adults, which translates to 61 million Americans, live with a disability. Additionally, all people will experience a disability at some point in their lives, making it the only minority group that every individual will be able to relate to. The primary cause of these inequalities is stigma, which is a pervasive and insidious force that elevates opinions, assumptions, and perceptions over truth.
The UCLA Disability Studies Inclusion Labs recognize that the root of stigma is built on groundless inaccuracies and misrepresentations, and they invite audiences to engage in critical analysis, discourse, and community involvement. Through their efforts, UCLA aims to open minds, start conversations, and bring people together by emphasizing the universal human experience that we all share.
To bring these vital concepts to life, Kley was selected to create a refined brand position, complementary visual system, and website for the UCLA Disability Studies Inclusion Labs. With our unique approach, we were able to capture the essence of the brand and convey the essential messages in a way that resonated with the target audience. By doing so, we helped to increase awareness, drive engagement, and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging for individuals with disabilities.
UCLA's Disability Studies Inclusion Labs sought to establish a visual identity that would aptly capture its exceptional offerings within the broader university brand. To achieve this goal, we undertook a comprehensive exploration of ways to uphold the essence of the UCLA brand while extending the identity of DS Labs. The custom illustrations we developed have been instrumental in elevating the brand, with diverse individuals featured throughout the website engaging in various activities.
By showcasing individuals with different abilities engaging with one another, we were able to bring to life the inclusive spirit that lies at the heart of Disability Studies Inclusion Labs. Our illustrations, thoughtfully crafted and imbued with a sense of warmth and authenticity, have become one of the most significant visual assets for the brand. They not only highlight the diversity and inclusivity of the Labs but also set it apart from the other programs within the university.
The website for the UCLA Disability Studies Inclusion Labs presented a unique opportunity for us to showcase the brand's message of inclusivity and equity in a digital format. Our team approached this project with a deep appreciation for the importance of accessibility and ease of use. We ensured that the site was fully compliant with ADA guidelines, making it accessible to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we implemented user-friendly navigation and intuitive design elements to enhance the overall user experience. Through a strategic use of custom illustrations and compelling content, we successfully conveyed the brand's message of inclusion and community engagement. Our team was proud to have contributed to the creation of a website that not only reflected the brand's identity but also provided a platform for meaningful conversations and connections.
