Accessibility at Research Spaces

This infographic highlights the problem of inaccessibility of agricultural research spaces at UC Berkeley. Evidence was collected from site surveys, analysis of state and federal law regarding discrimination and disability, and interviews with UC Berkeley students and staff. Methods of analysis for the site surveys include collecting quantitative measurements based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and collecting qualitative data regarding barriers to involvement of people with disabilities within the research spaces. Results of the data showed that the agricultural research spaces did not comply with the access standards or state and federal law. Moreover, evidence from students specifically indicates that physical, financial, and knowledge barriers foster exclusion in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) across the UC Berkeley campus. The infographic also highlights recommended programmatic and policy changes. Read a full report on the data here.

 

Accessibility
text highlights
addressing inaccessibility
in research spaces
original thesis
Open the thesis
it's the law
act of 2010

Accessible spaces are guaranteed by state and federal laws, including
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- ADA Standards for Acessible Design - California Civil and  Government Code - Hatch Act of 1887 ...and more

handshake

One of the most important leaders in the disability rights movement is UC Berkeley alumnus Ed Roberts.
As a pillar for inclusive higher education, the University has a duty to meet accessibility standards, else undermining the expectation of accessibility at other institutions. Read more

it's our duty
background
disabilities can be

• Physical
• Sensory
• Cognitive

wheelchair person sitting person standing
barrier
underwater rocks

lack of
funding

water
forest

taboos

misunderstanding

preconceptions

land mountain uphill rocks

narrow
pathways

difficult
entrances

lack of signage

financial
bank
arrow

Land-grant funding can be used to provide disability accommodations within the agricultural research spaces, removing some burden on classes and research spaces.

knowledge
professor

When faculty is unwilling to make accommodations, students feel discouraged and unwelcome. Recreate the University of Washington DO-IT program, which provides resources for faculty to institute universal design.

knowledge cloud training obsolete

All faculty and staff should receive sensitivity training. Have accommodation in mind when designing a field-based course so that faculty are prepared for helping students with accommodations as needed.

Disability is often misunderstood. Negative attitudes and miscommunication can perpetuate the belief that people with disabilities cannot thrive in STEM.

UC Berkeley's current disability services model is obsolete. The focus should be on focus is on fixing the environment, not fixing the student.

physical
widen paths

Widen pathways to a minimum of 36 inches, as required by ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Learn about ADA Accessible Design
ramp

Modify main entrance with a ramp to allow for wheelchair accessibility.

Learn about Accessibile Routes
braile

Add braille or raised character signage at entrance.

Learn about ADA Signs
plants in raised beds

Adjust raised beds to 2.5 feet for wheelchair users and semi-ambulatory gardeners.

Learn about ADA Accessible Gardens

 

Data collection by Jenna Shelton.
Visualization by Barbara Yang.
Development and animation by Victor Korir.