Importance of Inclusive Education:

Education is a cornerstone of a successful society. It empowers individuals and shapes their future. EMA believes that this ideal extends beyond basic access to creating truly inclusive environments.  Schools, colleges, and universities should foster learning environments where students and staff with and without disabilities can learn alongside one another, benefiting from a shared educational experience.

EMA’s Accessibility Assessment Services:

EMA offers comprehensive accessibility assessments designed to transform educational settings into universally accessible built environments. We recently partnered with a boarding school to conduct a preliminary accessibility assessment. This evaluation ensured compliance with established accessibility standards and identified areas for improvement.

Assessment Methodology:

Our team utilizes a multi-faceted approach to assess accessibility:

• Data Analysis: We begin with a thorough review of relevant documentation like accessibility elements of the built environment and campus blueprints. 
• Detailed Checklists: Structured checklists ensure a systematic evaluation of all key areas like buildings, pathways, open areas, and facilities.
• Physical Simulation: Utilizing a wheelchair, blindfold by the team and supporting members from the organization to navigate the campus. it simulates the user experience for individuals with mobility impairments.

Evaluation Focus:

The goal is to identify and address any barriers that might hinder inclusivity. This includes ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, those with temporary injuries, and staff members of all abilities.

Our detailed report outlines specific accessibility elements like ramps, lifts, accessible accommodations, restrooms, parking facilities, appropriate signage, and tactile ground surface indicators. This data provides a clear roadmap for implementation.

Accessibility Training:

EMA recognizes the importance of ongoing awareness and understanding.  To complement the assessment, we offer training sessions tailored for various stakeholders within the institution:

• Disability Sensitization: Building empathy and understanding of various disabilities.
• Accessibility Standards & Laws: Training on relevant accessibility regulations and best practices to the campus architects, engineers, administrators and the construction team as well.
• Staff Training: Equipping faculty, administrators, and maintenance staff with the knowledge to promote inclusivity within the educational environment.
• Student Sensitization: Age-appropriate activities designed to cultivate an inclusive school culture amongst students.

This comprehensive approach ensures that accessibility is not just a one-time assessment but an ongoing process actively implemented and understood by the entire educational community.