Mathers, A., 2004, Participation of people with learning disabilities in the landscape design process of urban green space, in: OPENspace, ‘Open space, people space’, OPENspace, Edinburgh
- Author : Mathers, A.
- Year : 2004
- Published in Book : Open space, people space
- Abstract in English : The self-advocacy of people with learning disabilities is an issue of the most current importance. At the most restricted end of the communication spectrum, people with learning disabilities may often be seen as silent members of their communities. The development of accessible communication methods during the design process of outdoor environments will create a precedent for successful public participation in future planning policy. Two forms of visual communication, photo-elicitation and hand-drawn images, were selected from the seminal learning disability guidelines ‘Am I Making Myself Clear’ (Mencap, 2000), to be trialled for their relevance in discussions with planners and designers of outdoor environments. This paper describes the observations and progress made working with a pilot group from Sheffield’s learning disability community. Implications for this research, with regard to other under-consulted sections of the community, and development of a social capital in society that enriches all experiences of shared environments are discussed.
- Comments/Notes : . KEYWORDS: learning disabilities, design process, participation, visual communication, urban green space. [paper 6 p.]