Designing Inclusively: Innovative Design Strategies for Inclusive Accessibility in the Built Environment for the Blind and/or Deaf
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Abstract
Individuality, freedom, and a chosen lifestyle improves with enough space for
people to live with confidence and safety. This equitable value is not one which
someone who is blind and/or deaf tends to benefit from. These groups of people
live in a sighted, hearing world with minimal adaptations for them.
Designing for equity is essential for the disabled to participate in sighted and
hearing activities. To improve this quality of life, how can we design a building
whose organization and function makes inherent sense to the blind and/or
deaf? In addition, how can the found strategies be applied within architecture to
create a sense of community and safety? This thesis project will investigate how
to effectively create a facility that functions well for the blind and/or deaf both
physically and psychologically.
Choosing a typology where the focus group can develop healthy lifestyle and
create positive community, I chose a wellness center to achieve this goal. Report
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “inactive adults
with disabilities were 50% more likely to report one or more chronic diseases than
those who were physically active” (Carroll et al., 2014). Those who are deaf or hard
of hearing (HOH) experience social isolation which can result in a lasting impact
on both mental and physical health. Each of these disabled groups would benefit
from this typology while improving their lifestyle as individuals.
Research strategies include case studies and interviews. Case studies of wellness
centers help understand how to successfully organize and create “whole” lifestyles.
Other case studies, like Gallaudet University, successfully reflect the concepts
used and showcase how these strategies can be successful. Interviews bridge the
social gap by listening to the primary clients’ personal experience so designers
can understand how to design a “world” for them. The applications found in these
case studies and personal experiences of the blind and deaf can be used to design
a successful wellness center for their needs.