The Accessible
Electronics Lab - a feasibility study project for LTSN
Dr Marion Hersh, from the Department of Electronics and Electrical
Engineering has secured a small grant from LTSN to examine the range of
design features of an existing undergraduate laboratory space and changes
necessary to achieve and workspace which is accessible to all. Working with
other members of staff and students, this project will be based on an
existing laboratory space for undergraduates in electronics and electrical
engineering, and will involve disabled students and staff, architectural
students and students of assistive technology.
Both common sense and the recent Disability Discrimination Act require
universities to ensure that their premises present no barriers to potential
or existing users. The principle of wider access is not limited to enabling
students from particularly socio-economic groups, nor is accessibility
merely about providing wheelchair access.
The project will result in a case study, including information gleaned from
visits by disabled staff and students to the existing lab and discussions
between them and architect/design and assistive technology experts. There
will also be a guide, containing a survey of existing materials, systems,
standards and courses collated in the form of a database of resources, and
information on the process this feasibility project has used and the results
obtainable. Materials developed during the project will also be provided on
a website. The project will culminate in a workshop for staff, students and
designers on the findings.
If you know of any examples of work on, or actual, accessible laboratories,
please let us know. We would also like to hear of examples of disabled
people excluded from laboratory-based work or study at any level, including
school.
Contact: Dr Marion Hersh: [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Metta Macleod
IT Adviser (Special Needs)
Teaching and Learning Service
Room 516, Level 5
Glasgow University Library
GLASGOW
G12 8QE
Tel 0141 330 2340 (Direct Line)
University x 2340 (Office), x 0962 (Student Cluster)
email: [log in to unmask]
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail may contain privileged or confidential information. The message
and any files transmitted with it are intended only for the use of the
recipient to whom it is addressed.
If you are not the intended recipient, no action may be taken on the
information nor may it be copied or shown to a third party and you are asked
to notify the sender named above.
|