This presentation of my seminar paper delves into ongoing accessibility challenges faced by deaf individuals today. There is a lack of accommodation support not only in schools and colleges, but everywhere. This topic can help hearing people understand the challenges and design better accessibility for deaf people.
Nov - December 2023
Researcher Writing
Despite progress in inclusivity, deaf individuals face widespread accessibility challenges, notably in education, public services, and digital access. Current support measures often overlook the unique needs of the deaf community, impeding their full participation in society. This research investigates these barriers through various lenses, including DeafSpace, web accessibility, subtitles, sign language linguistics, interpreters, and speech-to-text technology, aiming to highlight deficiencies and advocate for more effective, empathetic solutions.
Deaf people often feel invisible and voiceless in a hearing world. The eyes and brain get tired, affecting participation in education and discussion. Design for deaf accessibility requires awareness of the deaf experience to develop ways to improve universal accessibility.
This stems from the necessity for students to simultaneously process information from the professor, slides, interpreter, and CART system, which are physically separated. This multitasking demands excessive cognitive effort, potentially hindering their understanding and leading to a reevaluation of accessibility support strategies to truly benefit deaf learners.
Implementing DeafSpace principles can optimize classroom layouts for better visual access. By arranging the professor, interpreter, and visual aids within a unified visual field, deaf students can seamlessly integrate information without excessive cognitive effort, enhancing their learning experience.
Image Source: Roach, John. “AI Technology Helps Students Who Are Deaf Learn.” Microsoft | The AI Blog, 11 May 2018.
Image Source: Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC), Gallaudet University in Washington, DC
DeafSpace, an innovative architectural approach pioneered by Deaf architect Hansel Bauman at Gallaudet University in 2005, revolutionizes how buildings and public spaces are designed to celebrate and accommodate the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. Rooted in the principles of visual communication and cultural affirmation, DeafSpace aims to transform environments into visually accessible and interactive spaces, thereby fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging among its users.
Space and proximity
Light & Color
Sensory reach
Acoustics
Mobility
Want to know more about web accessibility, DeafSpace, subtitles, Linguistics of sign language, speech-to-text applications?
Read the Seminar PaperMy personal journey has significantly enriched my approach to accessible design. Facing communication barriers as a deaf individual provided unique insights, making the exploration of design solutions for accessibility issues both personal and exhilarating.
This research allowed me to examine key aspects of accessibility, such as Deaf Space, web accessibility, and speech-to-text applications, from a personal perspective. It emphasized the importance of integrating Deaf Space principles into design to improve accessibility for the deaf community.
Finding reliable resources and organizing my thoughts was challenging, reflecting the global lack of support for the deaf. The project underscored the urgent need for more inclusive support systems in education, healthcare, and beyond.
Gathering insights from the deaf community was done with utmost sensitivity, ensuring participants felt comfortable sharing their experiences and suggestions for change.
I firmly believe that adopting Deaf Space principles in architectural designs can lead to a more inclusive world. It's a call to architects and designers to consider accessibility as a cornerstone of their work, promising a more welcoming environment for everyone, especially those with disabilities.
