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Harold Kiewel AIA
Associate / Sr Specifications Writer
HMC Architects
San Diego CA
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There are some basic clues to designing for people with disabilities in the national model codes (the ADA Standards and ANSI A117.1) - although these documents tend to be short on design issues for people with sensory impairments. You can also gain insight from the 7 Principals of Universal Design first penned by Ron Mace, FAIA.
Among people with disabilities, people who are deaf, have a unique experience in the way they develop a community. The unique aspects of a common language draws them together in ways that other people with disabilities don't. When designing for people with hearing impairments the unique nature of their visual language raises often unconsidered isssues. How do people have a private conversation - when sign language can be understood from across the room or courtyard? On the otherhand, in classroom settings, how does one ensure that facial expresions and hand-signs are clearly visible? Lines of sight to the "speaker," lighting and background are critical.
For people who are blind, design is about orientation. How does the person know where he/she is with respect to a destination. This requires design that pays attention to memorable geometries, and to landmarks (like water-features or changes in paving) - which are percieved by senses other than sight.
Unfortunately, I don't think these empathies are easily codified. Architects who are good at their craft - can also be sensitive to the capacities of unique user groups. The issue is get them to stop designing for design's sake and to pay attention to abilities of the users. Perhaps you should be thinking not so much about the design "standards" as the design "process" - how do you enrich the designer's studio with empathy for the students.
For this line of thought contact Ed Steinfeld, State Univ. of New York, Buffalo.
Original Message:
Sent: 08-24-2011 21:22
From: Charles Graham
Subject: Design standards for schools for hearing/visually-impaired students
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Charles Graham AIA
Architect
O'Neal, Inc.
Greenville SC
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Well, yes. There is the Americans with Disabilities Act, most recent edition, and the International Building Code.
I would resist the temptation to extend facilities beyond those requirements. By the virture of being educated in a place like the rest of the USA, they will adept at handling themselves in the real world after graduation. To prepare a special place unlike any other would only increase their disabilities outside the school.
Regards,
CAG