Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to present a new experience integrating in the same classroom different types of students and different approaches to knowledge, as a part of the Research Project of Innovation “TADCBA: Todos en un mismo aula, diversidad y conocimiento sin barreras” or “Together in the same classroom, diversity and knowledge without barriers”. The Project integrates students of UPM subject “Accesibilidad Universal aplicada a la Edificación” (Universal Accessibility applied to Building Construction) and individuals with cognitive impairments from the Spanish private foundation “Afanias”, in the Building Engineering School of “Universidad Politécnica de Madrid”. Students of UPM share and develop in this subject projects to adapt buildings or urban areas to principles of cognitive universal accessibility with the help of the participants with cognitive disabilities, which can develop their capacities, allowing them to increase their possibilities to find a better job.

Literature related with terms used in this paper trace an evolution from “design for general need” versus “design for special needs” towards “inclusive design”, “universal design” or “design for all”. From the idea that the “problem related to lack of understanding the space” was in “disabled persons” to the concept of buildings and urban environments needing to be adapted to all types of users.

Some results of this project are achieved by training 27 students with cognitive disabilities, all of them from “Afanias”, as “Validadores de Apoyo de Accesibilidad Cognitiva” or Support Validators of Cognitive Accessibility. ETSEM students and Afanias members of the team highlight as the main achievement of this course learning together and from each other, in Universal Accessibility. They have been studying and establishing, together and with the orientations of professors and professionals from “Afanias”, specific application criteria to guide towards valid indicators, which will serve as support to define the parameters of application of cognitive accessibility, aimed at a clear and simple understanding of the building or urban environment, so as to ensure the “Easy and Friendly” use for everyone.

Keywords:

Innovation, Employability, Special Education, Research projects.