Assessing Access
We recently had an alumni talk from one of our previous students, who is now working with the field of inclusive design. She presented a project she had worked on at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she had been helping the museum create resources for disabled and neurodivergent users of the space to increase access to the Museum, with a particular focus on mapping sensory experiences in the building for neurodivergent users. Many cultural institutes have resources online available to provide better access to those with additional needs.
https://www.arts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/432141/SPCB23435-EDI-report-2022-23.pdf
This talk made me curious about the support provided from the university to students with additional needs such as neurodivergence or disability. Upon further research, it became apparent that the support services provided by the university are concerned with adjusted assessments, assistive equipment and technology and additional tutoring and mentorship. [1]While these are all important resources, there is limited information about the spaces themselves. UAL does provide basic information about physical access within the colleges, however this information is aimed more towards physical conditions which are relevant to those with physical disabilities. There is no sensory information provided which might help students with neurodivergence navigate the spaces and feel more comfortable in their learning environment.[2]
Within my role at UAL, I teach on the Interior and Spatial Design BA. Part of my lecturing role is about making students aware of the access requirements within the design of spaces. This is an important part of what we teach but is this reflected in the physical spaces where we teach. I would like to propose an intervention that seeks to analyse our studio space to identify any barriers to users with additional needs. I would like to create an access guidance for users of our studio space, with a particular focus on addressing requirements of users with neurodivergence. Through this project I would like to think about the importance access in design education, both with the curriculum and the physical spaces we use.
[1] https://www.arts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/30767/Access-Support-and-Facilities-for-Disabled-Students-at-UAL-PDF-302KB.pdf
[2] https://www.accessable.co.uk/university-of-the-arts-london-ual/camberwell-college-of-arts-peckham-road/access-guides/camberwell-college-of-arts-peckham-road-b-block#ed8c12a9-6930-204b-b233-64b5a6da2a20
Bibliography:
UAL Resources:
https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/stories/supporting-neurodivergent-students
https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia
https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/facilities/virtual-tours-ual
https://www.arts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/28829/Disability-Service-Values-PDF-1080-KB.pdf
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern#accessibility
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/tate-modern-visual-story
https://media.tate.org.uk/aztate-prd-ew-dg-wgtail-st1-ctr-data/galleries/TM_map.pdf
From reading list:
file:///Users/leccles/Downloads/Noel%20%20Paiva%202021%20Inclusive%20Design.pdf
Other Reading:
Universal Design : Creating Inclusive Environments by Edward Steinfeld and Jordana Maisel
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ual/detail.action?docID=821663
https://disordinaryarchitecture.co.uk/projects/manymoreparts
https://disordinaryarchitecture.co.uk/compendium
Inclusive Spaces – rethinking disability and the built space
Welcoming unruly bodies: Rethinking, social, spatial and material practices by Jos Boys
Jos Boys – Podcast
https://disordinaryarchitecture.co.uk/resources/project-four-ym8rs
https://thefunambulist.net/magazine/space-of-ableism
Disability, Space, Architecture: a Reader by Jos Boys
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ual/detail.action?docID=4809715
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ual/reader.action?docID=667938
Bartlett – Foundation for blind people
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/ideas/bartlett-review/different-way-seeing
National Guides:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-and-use-of-buildings-approved-document-m