Stimulating inclusive attitude among students through the Universal design paradigm

Abstract

Attention for inclusion and diversity in the learning and living environment of students in higher education is important. Universities can play a key role in educating, facilitating and setting a good example themselves in their communication, infrastructure and teaching methodologies. The aim of this project is to explore how to create a setting to teach inclusive design and create an inclusive learning environment in order that students adopt an inclusive attitude. The educational programs of 'Occupational Therapy' and 'Architecture' joined their forces for the purpose of elevating knowledge and expertise on inclusion to a higher level using their expertise on inclusion and human-centered design approaches. A multidisciplinary inclusive design course 'Designing with people' was developed using the paradigm of Universal Design throughout the design proces. Different steps are taken: 1) optimizing interdisciplinary design teams; 2) realizing an inclusing learning environment through principles of universal design for learning and installment of a network with different stakeholders; 3) developing a systematic an efficient methodology for inclusive co-creation. This course is currently ongoing. Uptake of knowledge and awareness towards inclusion and diversity of various people, with different (dis)abilities, needs, experiences and backgrounds among students will be evaluated.