The Research Group for Inclusive Environments is involved in unique research for physically disabled, sensory-impaired people and the needs of older people. It adopts a pan-disability, inter-disciplinary approach by working with user groups and representative organisations and undertakes innovative research relating to how colour, emergency lighting, interior lighting and olfaction can be specified to help visually-impaired and older people. Other work on spatial and design issues, such as automatic doors, also benefits physically disabled users. The research group places great importance on disseminating its findings to as wide an audience as possible.
CPD Modules: MSc and CPD Modules in Inclusive Environments
The MSc Inclusive Environments comprises six stand alone modules and a dissertation spread over two years. Each module provides face to face delivery at intensive four to five-day courses at The University of Reading. Modules may be studied individually as part of a personal CPD programme. Each module requires a commitment of 120 hours (including attendance time) and a further 350 hours study time for the dissertation.
The programme:
Module 1: Introducing Accessibility and Inclusion
Module 2: Disability and Access Legislation
Module 3: Transport
Module 4: Inclusive Design
Module 5: Communication the Built Environment
Module 6: Housing and Assistive Technology
CD-ROM 'Colour and Contrast' ensures attendees appreciate the importance of colour and luminance contrast in designing environments suitable for all users. It helps them understand the importance of providing contrast appropriately to maximise the abilities of users, and especially those with visual or hearing impairments and learning difficulties. Attendees will become aware of the relationship of colour and luminance contrast with other environmental factors such as lighting and surface finish, and the programme explains how to use the latest design guidance to select colour and luminance contrast. The programme ensures attendees appreciate how the latest research has determined methods for assessing suitable colour and luminance contrast.
CD-ROM 'Inclusive Buildings' Developed by the Research Group for Inclusive Environments at the University of Reading, this CD, which runs on both Windows and Mac platforms, has over 3,000 pages of information relating to access issues. The authors' philosophy is to look not at the disabilities of a user, but rather to design for the abilities of users, always considering firstly how the common needs can be addressed and then what additional needs may be required to benefit other users. Visit Reading, University of Inclusive Environments| or email k.t.bright@reading.ac.uk| to obtain a copy.