What Difference Disabled-Led Design Makes

Open lecture by designer and researcher Aimi Hamraie (Vanderbilt University).

What Difference Disabled-Led Design Makes: technology, built environments, and the politics of knowledge

Much of the research about accessibility focuses on design for disabled people. Yet, design by and with disabled people is a potent world-building force. This talk elaborates on the concept of “crip technoscience” by examining what difference it makes when technologies and environments are designed by disabled people, often for the purpose of resisting norms of embodiment.

Aimi Hamraie (they/them) is a disabled SWANA designer and design researcher based at Vanderbilt University, and author of Building Access: Universal Design and the Politics of Disability 2017).They are a member of the U.S. Access Board and a 2022 United States Artists Fellow. 

Accessibility info

• Find your way
  The academy is accessible by public transport, with most official city buses being equipped for accessibility. However, the access ramp for entering the bus is not automatic, so assistance from the bus driver may be required. The auditorium is situated in a quiet area, served by a low-traffic road, free of loud buzzing sounds or other intrusive noises.
  
  
• Location and environment
  The auditorium is located at the ground floor and it is accessible through free-level entrance (entrance J). An accessible restroom is located at the adjacent entrance (entrance K). The auditorium is primarily illuminated by natural light. During video presentations, windows will be obscured to enhance visual contrast on the screen. 
   
• A fragrance-free policy will be in place to ensure a comfortable environment for all attendees. 
   
• The room will be equipped with air purifiers, and attendees will be asked to refrain from using scented products through event publicity materials.
   
• We encourage the use of masks so to avoid any risk of infection. Masks will be available at the entrance of the auditorium.
  
  
• Orientation: Clear signage will be provided to guide attendees to the auditorium and other essential areas. 
  
  
• Communication during the event: Speech to text system will be used so to transcribe the spoken words into text, and display them on a big side screen, in real time, as closed captions. 
   
• Parking: A parking area (in front of the auditorium’s enrance) will be reserved and available for the attendees who required the spot prior to the event.
  
  
• Other: If you have any other specific access needs you are welcome to contact the organizers at rcas@kglakademi.dk