A MULTIDISCIPLINARY LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR EDUCATION IN ACCESSIBILITY

Abstract

Abstract – This paper argues that accessibility is both a complex issue and one in which engineering students would deeply benefit from learning more about due to mounting legislation and demand. Engineers can play an important role in creating a more inclusive society, yet questions remain as to how to instill knowledge of accessibility effectively in the classroom.  To answer these questions, the authors explore and draw preliminary conclusions from a multidisciplinary learning experience they designed by which two upper level undergraduate courses from engineering and history were joined on separate occasions to provide some education in accessibility. Although crafting and delivering this experience posed some challenges, the authors believe that this multidisciplinary approach generally enriched the learning experience for students, exposing them to a broader perspective, and in particular the historical context for accessibility initiatives and the lived experience of people with disabilities.