Jewish temple in Amherst certified for universal design

Temple Beth Tzedek in Amherst has become the first place of worship in the region to receive a universal design certification, an emerging standard for socially responsible design that allows easy movement for people with physical disabilities and challenges.

The design area is a 10,210-square-foot expansion made to the temple, at 1641 North Forest Road, in 2018 by Maurice Finegold, of Finegold Alexander Architects. The step-free design included a variety of seating options, restrooms with self-retracting step stool and toddler seat, a ground-level lectern with adjustable reading table, areas for wheelchairs away from the main aisle and interior signage system with high-contrast lettering.

“This recognizes our effort to welcome anyone into our synagogue, no matter how abled they are,” said Harvey Sanders, chairman of the temple’s Project Beit Tfilah Committee.

Sanders led the project with Ed Steinfeld, a temple member and founding director of the University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, which gave the certification earlier this month.