Hello,
OPENspace are looking for an ad hoc researcher, based in Edinburgh, to
look at Deaf access to the countryside. Details of the project/job
description follow:
Background
The project is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - and aims to research access for deaf visitors to the countryside, particularly considering examples of good practice and any potential barriers to engagements.
OPENspace is the research centre for inclusive access to outdoor environments, based jointly in the School of Landscape Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art and the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University. The centre brings together excellence in landscape architecture, environmental psychology, visual function and quality of life, and environmental design for disabled people. The main focus for research is outdoor access for all, including minority ethnic groups, older people, disabled people and other socially disadvantaged groups.
Key partners in the project include JMU Access Partnership and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
Previous research on inclusive access to the countryside do not appear to have considered the needs of deaf people. This may be based on the assumption that visiting the countryside is a visual experience, access for deaf people is already in place. However, as deaf people have different needs, attitudes and preferences, this may not be the case, but without research it is not confirmed.
Further impetus to the research is provided by the Land Reform Act (2003) and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to:
1. examine the needs, attitudes and preferences for deaf visitors accessing the Scottish countryside
2. examine current provision for deaf visitors in the Scottish countryside
3. highlight examples of good practice from Scotland, and other countries
4. identifying the goodness of fit between the needs, attitudes and preferences of deaf visitors, and current provision for deaf visitors on the Scottish countryside.
5. explore areas of provision which could be improved and developed, and key stakeholders and their potential input identified.
Research approach
1.Desk studies to identify studies and approaches to understanding the key issues of deaf access to the countryside, current provision, and examples of good practice from Scotland and other countries, where relevant.
2. A forum to scope the issues with representatives of different interest groups (e.g. RNID, Deaf Action, The Scottish Council on Deafness, Fife Healthy Living and Sensory Awareness Project) as well as countryside staff, policy makers, planners and managers. This would also help to identify the range and potential location of sites for the focus groups and interviews.
3. Focus groups, in-depth interviews and discussions with deaf people, to understand the needs, attitudes and preferences for deaf visitors accessing the Scottish Countryside.
4. Visits to countryside facilities. It is proposed that wherever possible, discussions and focus groups will be held at countryside facilities, in order to offer the option of a site visit, followed by discussions over refreshments indoors, such as a classroom at the park or forest etc, or discussions out in the park itself.
5. Development of guidelines and suggested target outcomes to improve and implement changes to improve access provision to the countryside for deaf people, including the role of key stakeholders.
An ad-hoc researcher is required for approximately 20 days work from early December to March. As well as good social science research skills and experience of interviewing and focus groups, due to the nature of the project, it is essential that the person chosen has personal experience of deaf issues. Proficiency in British Sign Language and lip reading skills are also desirable.
The work will be based in Edinburgh, although some travel around Scotland will be required.
The main duties will include:
- desk research and literature review
- contacting representatives from organisations associated with outdoor recreation
- contacting groups of deaf people
- carrying out interviews and focus groups
- visits to outdoor recreation sites
- any other duties as required by the project
Payment : £85/day
Applications by letter or email, including cv, to:
Dr Catherine Findlay [log in to unmask]
OPENSpace
79 The Grassmarket
Edinburgh EH1 2HJ
0131 2216192
Please feel free to circulate this to anyone you feel may be interested.
Regards
Katherine
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