Running Hurdles
Objectives:
- Detect possible obstacles on marked paths
- Learn about disability-related vulnerability
- Create a participatory map
STEP BY STEP
BEFORE STARTING
This activity can be carried out as a continuation of the 'Map Quest' activity.
Introduce the activity by asking the class the following questions: Have you ever had difficulty accessing a place because of an obstacle or seen a person in difficulty because of an obstacle? (e.g. not being able to step onto the pavement because of cars parked in front). How did you feel or hear yourself? How do you think that person felt?
To stimulate conversation, the teacher can show this video to the class:
PLANNING THE TRIP
A route is decided on, starting from the school and leading to a visit to various places of interest (the class can decide to choose a route from the "Map Quest" activity and decide to do the two activities together).
A form will be brought in to note the following:
- Possible architectural barriers
- Condition of the route
- Points of interest along the route: are they accessible to people with motor disabilities?
- Lack of signposting
- Is signposting clear? Are road signs present?
- Are sound traffic lights present?
THE SEARCH FOR OBSTACLES
In class, the route is planned and the roles of each person are assigned in the organisation and management of the visit (who takes the photos, who marks the points on the observation grid, who leads the class along the route, etc.). Back in class, the information gathered is shared and the points where the obstacles were found are marked on Google Maps. Photos are looked at and some are chosen to be printed.
DESIGN AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
At this point, a report is designed, which should contain a descriptive part at the beginning in which the theme of accessibility The possibility of access to a place of places is introduced, a central part in which architectural barriers are indicated, and a final part in which strategies to eliminate them are suggested.
The report should also be accompanied by a print-out of the map created, in which there will be:
- map points places of interest
- map points of obstacles
- photographs taken at the map point
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
How can any obstacles be removed? To whom should they be addressed? Who should deal with them? The work can be the starting point for talking about the accessibility The possibility of access to a place of places and carrying out a broader mapping of one's own territory to be shared with peers and possibly reported to institutions.
Add new comment