The hidden power of universal design | Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes | TEDxAlabaster
Why are we still using 1990 rules to design a 2025 world?In this transformative TEDxAlabaster talk, communication scholar Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes reimagines accessibility, universal design, and inclusive communication as the engine of innovation. Grounded in research and in her lived experience as a brain-tumor survivor, Hayes pairs data with human stories to show how designing for disability from the start improves outcomes across higher education, media, and civic technology. Anchored by the curb cut effect, the talk explains why pre-Internet compliance frameworks miss today's realities—and, Dr. Hayes maps what a possibility-driven approach can deliver: multimodal materials, high-quality captions, blended "paper-plus-digital" learning, and accessible tools and spaces that scale from classrooms to campuses and cities. Come explore the ways that with one in four people facing barriers, inclusive design is not an add-on; it's core civic infrastructure that strengthens learning, participation, and creativity for everyone. This is a research-backed, inspirational case for building systems where stories and data work together—so communities can thrive. Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes is an educator, researcher, and universal design advocate. Currently an associate professor at the University of Alabama, she directs the Rhetoric, Discourse, and Public Culture Research Lab. Her award winning research focuses on public discourse, accessibility, and social change. She also currently directs the doctoral program in the College of Communication and Information Sciences and is a nationally award winning teacher and mentor of more than two decades as well as a highly sought after public speaker on issues of public communication. Dr. Hayes holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies and a graduate degree in Neuroscience. In 2019, her journey was interrupted by a life-threatening brain tumor. After a terminal prognosis, a 20-hour surgery, and a year-long recovery, Dr. Hayes adapted to losing the sight in her right eye and some of her hearing. This experience deepened her understanding of the brain, how we learn, and accessibility. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 17:133 ways to leverage your weirdness | Amy Kean | TEDxMünsterAmy Kean, a celebrated author and creative strategist, champions individuality and bold thinking. In this talk, she explores the global “normality crisis,” showing how conformity stifles creativity and culture. By embracing our quirks, we can foster innovation, celebrate diversity, and enrich society. With humor and practical tips, Amy inspires audiences to unleash their unique selves for a brighter, more original world.Amy Kean is CEO & creative director of Good Shout, satirical sociologist, bestselling author, and voice equality enthusiast.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:10What if Earth had a flag? | Oskar Pernefeldt | TEDxKlagenfurtWhat if earth had a flag? What would it take for us to finally see ourselves as one species, sharing one planet? Designer and flag enthusiast Oskar Pernefeldt makes a compelling case for the International Flag of Planet Earth, a simple yet powerful symbol meant to unite humanity in the face of climate crisis, global conflict, and interplanetary exploration. From the moon landing to Mars missions, he unpacks why visual identity shapes global solidarity and how one flag could become a unifying symbol for Earth. In a talk that challenges borders and belonging, he asks: What if we all flew the same flag?Oskar Pernefeldt is a Swedish designer and creative director known for creating The International Flag of Planet Earth, a shared symbol of unity for all humankind. Oskar's work explores how design can spark shifts in mindset, shape culture, and inspire a sense of global citizenship.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:44Why I’m obsessed with Northern Irish slang | David Levin | TEDxStormontCatch Yerself On David Levin is a writer, agency founder and tone-of-voice specialist whose career took off after he set up a Twitter account for his local pub in London, which gained a cult following, won Time Out's Social Account of the Year and led to him accidentally becoming the UK's first professional tweeter. His social agency, which he co-founded with actor/comedian David Schneider, ran feeds for the likes of Spotify, Amazon, Channel 4 and Have I Got News for You.David recently moved to Northern Ireland where, when he's not busy managing the social media for a sportsperson of the famous variety, he's becoming increasingly obsessed with Northern Irish sayings. David intends for the craic to remain at 90 for his TEDxStormont talk or 65 at an absolute minimum.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:33Informed, not influenced | Md Saqlain Jameel | TEDxSt Pauls CollegeIn an age of constant noise, the difference between being informed and being influenced is critical. This talk emphasizes the need for critical thinking, media literacy, and independent judgment in navigating information. By questioning sources, recognizing biases, and valuing truth over trends, individuals can empower themselves to make choices based on knowledge, not manipulation. Md Saqlain Jameel is a journalist, digital marketer, educator, and podcaster whose career bridges traditional reporting and modern digital storytelling. As Editor-in-Chief of NewsHamster, one of India’s fastest-growing youth-centric news platforms, he has led the platform to over 3 billion views in 2024 and launched the innovative NH Unscripted podcast. He is also the founder of LBX Studios, a Bengaluru-based digital marketing firm known for its strategic work in both brand and political communications. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:16La reina del KAOS | PETER PÁNIKA | TEDxArxiducLa reina del KAOS Feminismo, cultura pop, contradicciones humanas y muchas ganas de romper lo que ya no sirve. Lo hace con ironía, con rabia bien puesta y con una claridad que incomoda. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:58Conjunt Buit | Conjunt Buit | TEDxArxiducConjunt Buit. Live Music. Music This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
