I Skollagen framgår det att skolan ska ta hänsyn till elevers olika behov, samt att barn och elever ska ges stöd och stimulans så att de utvecklas så långt som möjligt. Trots det finns det inte mycket forskning om hur en sådan lärmiljö kan skapas eller utformas. Mot bakgrund av detta genomfördes denna studie med syfte att undersöka hur några lärare i mellanstadiet organiserar undervisningen samt den fysiska miljön för att skapa förutsättningar för lärande. Frågeställningar togs fram med inspiration från TEACCH- modellen som handlar om att skapa förutsägbarhet och förståelse för sammanhang genom en tydliggörande pedagogik. De tre frågeställningarna var: Hur är den fysiska miljön organiserad?, Hur är den tydliggörande arbets- och aktivitetsordningen organiserad? och Hur ser organiseringen av undervisningen ut? Sex stycken lärare observerades under ett eller två lektionstillfällen vardera utifrån ett observationsschema som utgick från de tre frågeställningarna. Utöver observationerna skickades en enkät ut som 28 lärare deltog i. Enkätens frågor utgick, liksom observationerna, från de tre frågeställningarna. Resultatet analyserades sedan utifrån det teoretiska ramverket och förhållningssättet Universal Design for Learning. Studien visar att en tillgänglig lärmiljö skapas i olika utsträckning, samt att lärarna inte fullt ut skapar en tillgänglig lärmiljö och därmed inte uppväger skillnader mellan elevernas olika förutsättningar. Hinder för att lärarna inte fullt ut skapar en tillgänglig lärmiljö kan relateras till olika nivåer av yttre kontroll, såsom fysiska och organisatoriska begränsningar. Utifrån resultatet kunde slutsatsen dras att tydliggörande och tillgänglig undervisning behöver utvecklas som forskningsfält då forskning ännu inte har klargjort hur och på vilket sätt enskilda faktorer inom tydliggörande pedagogik påverkar lärande. I den specialpedagogiska praktiken skulle lärarnas arbete kunna försvåras på grund av komplexiteten och oenigheten inom den vetenskapliga forskningen om vad som specifikt främjar lärande samt hur olika faktorer påverkar lärmiljön.

Accessibility for people with ADHD is rarely covered by the research of Library and Information Science. University libraries, whose main task is to guide and provide services for students and researchers, have the means to support students with ADHD in several ways. Aside from educational support, these libraries offer a physical environment for studying. However, the existence of accessibility adaptation does not necessarily guarantee satisfaction among the group. The purpose of this paper was to examine the experiences of students with ADHD of the physical environment of their university libraries, of their sense of place. Additionally, this paper investigates how libraries can improve the design of their physical environment to meet the needs of these students. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings resulted in two main themes: varying impact of social interaction and strategies and adaptation to the environment. Results showed that the library in some ways is well adjusted to their needs, but the students have to adjust to the environment in several ways because of some constraints. Additionally, the social aspects of the environment have a very big influence on the experience of the library. The prescence of other students can cause both stress and inspiration among the respondents, whose reactions would vary. Finally, a solution for a library design that would meet the needs of students with ADHD is universal design.

Preparing undergraduate students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields continues to be a national priority. This project analyzed the effects of virtual metacognitive academic coaching between graduate student coaches and undergraduate STEM majors with Executive Function disorders at a large, four-year university. The project team analyzed the persistence of the undergraduate students in their major, as well as the graduate students’ abilities to transfer the coaching experiences to K-12 settings. A mixed-methods design evaluated qualitative (i.e. student/coaches’ surveys and interviews) outcomes for undergraduate STEM majors and for graduate students. The goal of this project is to develop iteratively a model of scalable supports that can be utilized to support undergraduates with disabilities in STEM majors’ at large universities such as UCF. Graduate student coaches paired with undergraduate STEM majors with Executive Function disorders (n=26) worked collaboratively throughout one semester to developed strategies that supported the success of the undergraduate students’ coursework. Both coaches and students provided examples of positive effects of the academic coaching process that supported student course work and created experiences that the graduate students could use in a K-12 setting.

Urban mobility remains a persistent challenge for visually impaired individuals (VIIs) despite legal protections. This study provides a thorough investigation into the door-to-door mobility experiences of VIIs in urban environments and public transport systems in Helsingborg, Sweden. Methodologically, it employs a mixed qualitative methods, combining semi-structured interviews, walking interviews and observations, and document analysis to explore the complicated research topic. The study develops a three-dimensional analytical framework, namely the Universal Design, the participatory approach, and the technology options, to identify and analyse the urban mobility challenges faced by VIIs. According to the research results, it is evident that there is an urgent need of deeper urban planning engagement and continuous innovation for truly inclusive environments for VIIs. Recommendations based on this study include enhancing Universal Design integration, promoting collaboration, and utilizing digital tools to create inclusive urban spaces, ultimately aiming to empower VIIs for independent navigation and full societal participation. / Nej

To examine to what extent current general education pre-service teachers within a teacher preparation program at a private institution of higher education know and understand the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), expert focus groups were conducted. General education program syllabi were examined for UDL content and found to be lacking in such content. General education pre-service teachers videotaped lessons were reviewed for UDL content and were also found to be inadequate in demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Universal Design for Learning principles. Focus groups comprised of university fieldwork instructors and teacher education experts were asked to review and give feedback on a current clinical observation tool being utilized. Feedback indicated that the current tool was insufficient for measuring pre-service teachers’ knowledge and understanding of UDL. Further, the current tool was not anchored to the UDL framework or any other teaching framework. In service to contributing to the field of teacher preparation, a new clinical practice tool grounded in Universal Design for Learning was created.

Despite global growth in the disability tourism market, tourism organisations have not realised the full potential of this market due to a lack of understanding of this market segment as well as the perception that PwDs do not travel. Most facilities remain inaccessible to people with both permanent and temporary impairments. Disability movements (like the American Association of People with Disabilities, Aspies for Freedom and Handicap International) have raised their voices but not loud enough to stir action. Workshops, seminars and conferences have been held but most were talk shows with no practical implications. To date, no research-based universal accessibility framework exists for national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe and no practical standards have been formulated to ensure accessibility to all in these parks. This study aimed to design a universal accessibility framework for national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe. To achieve this goal one of the study‟s objectives was a literature review on universal accessibility and tourism. This objective is achieved in Chapter 2. The second objective was to establish the extent to which national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe are universally accessible. Interviews were conducted with park management in both countries to meet this objective. The study also sought to establish the accessibility expectations of people with disabilities; this was attained by administering a 10-page online questionnaire to people with disabilities from across the globe. Finally, the study aimed to formulate a set of recommendations and develop a framework for universal accessibility. Using SPSS, Exploratory Factor Analysis and ANOVAs were performed in order to analyse and interpret data. Descriptive statistics were also used. The Alpha values and mean inter-item correlations confirmed the reliability and internal consistency of the data. Eleven factors were identified from the factor analysis: transport; parking and entrance; the reception area; restrooms; bird watching and game drives; trails; information accessibility; interpretation; water-based activities; accommodation and dining as well as campsites. The results revealed that while people with disabilities want all areas to be accessible, specific facilities were singled out in line with particular disabilities. People with mobility impairments were more worried about transport and parking than people with other impairments. They were also concerned about the accessibility of bird watching and game viewing as well as accommodation and dining than were people with hearing and visual impairments. People with hearing impairments placed much high value on the accessibility of the reception area than those with mobility and visual impairments. Interesting to note was the fact that people with visual impairments did not regard accessible restrooms as very important. Most importantly, all people with disabilities were strongly against steps and staircases in all facilities since they are a serious barrier to accessibility regardless of type of disability. They also attach more value to how they are treated when they visit national parks. This was identified as more important than physical access. A universal accessibility framework was developed based on the literature and research findings. This framework will go a long way in assisting policy makers to address accessibility issues in national parks and the tourism sector in general. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Despite global growth in the disability tourism market, tourism organisations have not realised the full potential of this market due to a lack of understanding of this market segment as well as the perception that PwDs do not travel. Most facilities remain inaccessible to people with both permanent and temporary impairments. Disability movements (like the American Association of People with Disabilities, Aspies for Freedom and Handicap International) have raised their voices but not loud enough to stir action. Workshops, seminars and conferences have been held but most were talk shows with no practical implications. To date, no research-based universal accessibility framework exists for national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe and no practical standards have been formulated to ensure accessibility to all in these parks. This study aimed to design a universal accessibility framework for national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe. To achieve this goal one of the study‟s objectives was a literature review on universal accessibility and tourism. This objective is achieved in Chapter 2. The second objective was to establish the extent to which national parks in South Africa and Zimbabwe are universally accessible. Interviews were conducted with park management in both countries to meet this objective. The study also sought to establish the accessibility expectations of people with disabilities; this was attained by administering a 10-page online questionnaire to people with disabilities from across the globe. Finally, the study aimed to formulate a set of recommendations and develop a framework for universal accessibility. Using SPSS, Exploratory Factor Analysis and ANOVAs were performed in order to analyse and interpret data. Descriptive statistics were also used. The Alpha values and mean inter-item correlations confirmed the reliability and internal consistency of the data. Eleven factors were identified from the factor analysis: transport; parking and entrance; the reception area; restrooms; bird watching and game drives; trails; information accessibility; interpretation; water-based activities; accommodation and dining as well as campsites. The results revealed that while people with disabilities want all areas to be accessible, specific facilities were singled out in line with particular disabilities. People with mobility impairments were more worried about transport and parking than people with other impairments. They were also concerned about the accessibility of bird watching and game viewing as well as accommodation and dining than were people with hearing and visual impairments. People with hearing impairments placed much high value on the accessibility of the reception area than those with mobility and visual impairments. Interesting to note was the fact that people with visual impairments did not regard accessible restrooms as very important. Most importantly, all people with disabilities were strongly against steps and staircases in all facilities since they are a serious barrier to accessibility regardless of type of disability. They also attach more value to how they are treated when they visit national parks. This was identified as more important than physical access. A universal accessibility framework was developed based on the literature and research findings. This framework will go a long way in assisting policy makers to address accessibility issues in national parks and the tourism sector in general. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This thesis examines the presence of ergonomics in the design process at IKEA of Sweden. It also attempts to describe how IKEA of Sweden can implement more ergonomics in their development process of new products. The study is based on interviews with employees at IKEA of Sweden and with an employee at the design bureau Veryday.  The thesis also includes a design process that has been conducted using a given brief by IKEA of Sweden with a predetermined way of production. The purpose of the design process should have an overall ergonomic perspective. The interviews were analysed using the theory presented which includes the perception and fallacies of ergonomics, anthropometrics and universal design. The result shows that ergonomic aspects are not included in a structured way common for all areas when developing products at IKEA of Sweden. The study also points to a need of information about ergonomics, like a guideline. Access to an expert as an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist would also improve the design process. The analysis of the design process and the products Höghult shows the importance of preparation in the design process using functional analysis, specifications and analysis of the way of production. To proceed with the implementation of the overall ergonomic perspective in the design process, it is important to test and evaluate the prototype using an expert and a test panel representing the potential customers. / Den här uppsatsen undersöker förekomsten av ergonomi i designprocessen på IKEA of Sweden. Den försöker även beskriva hur IKEA of Sweden kan föra in mer ergonomi i deras arbete med att ta fram nya produkter. Studien är baserad på intervjuer av medarbetare på IKEA of Sweden samt av företrädare för designbyrån Veryday. Parallellt med intervjustudien genomfördes en designprocess efter given brief av IKEA of Sweden med angivet produktionssätt där processen ska ha ett övergripande ergonomiskt perspektiv. Intervjuerna analyserades utifrån den teori som presenterats om bland annat föreställningar om ergonomi, antropometri och universell design. Resultatet visar att det inte finns ett strukturerat arbetssätt för ergonomiska frågeställningar gällande produktutveckling på IKEA of Sweden. Studien visar också på att det finns behov av information om ergonomi som t ex en guideline. Att ha tillgång till en expert, såsom t ex en arbetsterapeut eller fysioterapeut, skulle också berika designprocessen. Analysen av designprocessen och produkterna Höghult visar betydelsen av att noga förbereda designprocessen med hjälp av funktionsanalys, kravspecifikation samt analys av produktionssättet. För att komma vidare med implementeringen av det övergripande ergonomiska perspektivet i designprocessen är det viktigt att testa och utvärdera prototypen med hjälp av exempelvis en expert samt en testgrupp som representerar kundgruppen.

Submitted by Adriana Alves Rodrigues (aalves@espm.br) on 2017-11-22T13:32:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CLAUDIA WEBER MOURA.pdf: 5980028 bytes, checksum: 03c1693b9d25ae4ab40687c3c85b5256 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Alves Rodrigues (aalves@espm.br) on 2017-11-22T13:32:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CLAUDIA WEBER MOURA.pdf: 5980028 bytes, checksum: 03c1693b9d25ae4ab40687c3c85b5256 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Cristina Ropero (ana@espm.br) on 2017-11-23T10:55:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CLAUDIA WEBER MOURA.pdf: 5980028 bytes, checksum: 03c1693b9d25ae4ab40687c3c85b5256 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-23T10:56:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CLAUDIA WEBER MOURA.pdf: 5980028 bytes, checksum: 03c1693b9d25ae4ab40687c3c85b5256 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-23 / This study seeks to define premises and parameters for graphic design on packaging of products sold in retail that consider the elderly public. The topics covered in the theoretical review are related to aging, the characteristics of the elderly as consumers, the packaging and the relationship of the elderly with the packaging of the products they consume. For the development of the researches, a qualitative method was used with interviews with three groups: older consumers; graphic designers with experience in packaging; designers over the age of 60. The researches aimed to investigate how the elderly relate to the communication found in packaging, the experience of the designers in their projects and the relation of such issues to the aging process. At the end of the study, it was possible to understand that, in order for the elder to experience their aging dealing with its consequences, it is necessary that the environment, in general, and the packaging, in a specific way, be prepared to serve them. In order to achieve this, the project for the graphic design on the packaging must consider the aging process in its three aspects: biological, social and psychological; as well as a careful look at the concept of healthy aging and the use of the principles of universal design as a support, resulting in good packaging not only for the elderly, but also for all. / Este estudo procura definir premissas e parâmetros para projeto gráfico de embalagem de produtos vendidos em canal de autosserviço que considerem o idoso como público consumidor. Os temas abordados na revisão teórica estão relacionados ao envelhecimento, às características do idoso como público consumidor, à embalagem e às relações do idoso com as embalagens dos produtos que consome. Para o desenvolvimento das pesquisas, foi utilizado método qualitativo com entrevistas exploratórias em profundidade com três grupos: idosos; designers experientes em projeto gráfico de embalagens; designers com idade acima de 60 anos. As pesquisas tiveram o objetivo de investigar a forma como os idosos se relacionam com a comunicação encontrada nas embalagens, a experiência dos designers em seus projetos e a relação de tais assuntos com o processo de envelhecimento. Ao final do estudo foi possível compreender que, para que os idosos possam vivenciar o envelhecimento lidando melhor com suas consequências, é necessário que o ambiente, de modo geral, e as embalagens, de modo específico, estejam preparados para atendê-los. Para tanto, o projeto gráfico das embalagens deve se efetivar a partir do aprofundamento e da compreensão do processo de envelhecimento em seus três planos - biológico, social e psicológico -, bem como de um olhar atento para o conceito de envelhecimento saudável. Desse modo, e tendo em vista também o uso dos aprendizados dos princípios do design universal, é possível obter uma embalagem boa não somente para os idosos, mas também para todos os públicos.

A elevação da expectativa de vida, e conseqüente aumento da população de terceira idade nos grandes centros urbanos, têm levado ao agravamento de questões relacionadas ao déficit de habitações destinadas a esta faixa - em particular, idosos de baixa renda - bem como à inadaptabilidade das construções ao seu atendimento eficiente e confortável. Em paralelo, tem-se constatado o declínio da oferta de habitações nas regiões centrais e a degradação urbana motivada pela ausência de ambientação social nestas áreas. Este estudo propõe-se a examinar estas questões e encontrar um denominador comum utilizando as ferramentas da arquitetura e do urbanismo. O projeto arquitetônico e o planejamento urbano podem oferecer respostas, mas também podem suscitar novos problemas quando promovem a expulsão da população local através da elitização da área. Um programa arquitetônico foi desenvolvido de forma a apresentar subsídios para projetos de variadas dimensões, considerando os perigos apresentados pela gentrificação. A partir do conceito de um Núcleo-Base, podem-se gerar diversas gamas de espaços e grupos sociais, de acordo com a população e a área em que será inserido. Por fim, dois projetos foram elaborados para ilustrar o conceito desenvolvido neste estudo. / The increasing life expectancy and the resulting growth of the elderly population in big cities have caused problems such as the deficit in residences specially designed for older people, in particular the ones with low income, as well as lack of available infrastructure to provide comfortable and efficient care. Meanwhile, a decreasing supply of housing has been observed in inner city are due to the lack of social welfare and urban degradation. The present study aims at examining these problems and proposing solutions by means of tools provided by the architecture and the urbanism. Drawbacks such as the expulsion of the local population by the mechanism of gentrification are discussed. In this work, an architectonic program based on the concept of kernel-blocks has been developed. According to this concept a large spectrum of projects can be conceived which respect the population characteristics, social class, limitation of space and considers the gentrification phenomenon. Two projects have been elaborated as an illustration of the concept of kernelblocks.