Oceanographic Research Vessel Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities - Track RDE-FRI

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Project Summary Proposal Section BObjectives and MethodsOceanographic research vessels (ORVs) are a critical element of science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research and education, but their access bypersons with disabilities (mobility, hearing, visual, and cognitive impairments) isconstrained by physical barriers (gangways, paths of travel about the vessel, verticalaccess, berthing and toilet facilities, communications, and signage) and cultural barriers(ignorance and attitudes).With the participation of a diverse steering committee of persons with disabilities, vesseloperators, shipyards, ship designers, and academia, the project will facilitate theremoval of barriers by assessing the degree of accessibility of ORVs and the science,technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs they support,and developing specific solutions for barrier removal. The results will be incorporated inan OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSEL ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE of BestPractices and disseminated to stakeholders.Intellectual MeritThe project will advance knowledge and understanding of shipboard accessibility bydeveloping crosscutting solutions, applying lessons learned from the passenger vesselindustry to ORVs, and disseminating results to stakeholders. The PI is a licensedProfessional Engineer and naval architect, and an expert in passenger vesselaccessibility, who will use his expertise, experience, and comprehensive resources toexplore creative and original concepts for removing institutional and shipboard barriers.Broader ImpactBroadening opportunities and enabling the participation of persons with disabilities inoceanographic research and education is the essence of this project, which willenhance the infrastructure for oceanographic research and education by removingphysical and cultural barriers. Results, in the form of lessons leaned and bestpractices, will be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific, technological, and culturalunderstanding and awareness of challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Societyat large will benefit by the transfer of project results to make the nation's 1,100 ferry andexcursion vessel fleet more accessible to commuters and recreational boaters.