The event, run by the Colleague Disability Network, will have stalls between 11am and 4pm at Marylebone Campus inviting colleagues and students to drop-in at any time for them to engage in discussions on access barriers we create for colleagues and students through our choices of technology and content.
The discussions will be centred around supporting users with different needs such as our disabled colleagues and students and how we can all create a more inclusive working and learning environment.
What are the Empathy Labs
Empathy Labs, also called 'simulation labs' or 'accessibility labs', can be run in different ways.
Our Empathy Lab will host a range of kit to kickstart conversations about reasonable adjustments, accessibility barriers and alternative formats.
There will be some great reading recommendations, tactile maps and other graphics, some assistive technology options, and examples of other learning tools to help alternative format creation such as introductions to braille and British Sign Language.
Participants will also be able to use some more controversial kit including a set of "simulation glasses" which users can try on to "mimic" vision impairments. The purpose of having this kit is to specifically address how misunderstandings about the effects of disabilities can occur and how we need to think more on the pervasive impacts of disabilities and what we can do to create a more inclusive environment for all.
The event is supported by the Westminster Digital Accessibility Team who will be on site to guide attendees in discussions. Expert guests from other universities and disability charities will also join the event on the day.
For further questions on the event, please email George Rhodes.
