Inclusive media and design

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With new legislation and awareness of the potential and rights of persons with disabilities (PWD) as full and equal members of society, research is required to enable individuals to realise this potential in all aspects of life. As the population ages, the numbers of PWD, particularly acquired disabilities, is also increasing. The need for social and technological solutions to the barriers PWD face has never been more pressing. Inclusive design is a theory and approach that includes users with disabilities as part of the initial conceptualisation and structure of a design, procedure or process. In this way, the needs of many people can be incorporated into the design thinking process from the beginning rather than at the end. Designs and processes not only become inclusive but potentially customisable to fit many different individuals; a "one-size-fits-one" idea.***Entertainment in the form of film, television, music, theatre, and games are an important part of the development and culture of a society. Access to entertainment has, until now, meant developing specialized forms that are specifically oriented to PWD or retrofitting mainstream content or products at a large expense. Taking an inclusive design approach means considering access requirements from the beginning of the process. In the research proposed in this Discovery Grant, the applicant is using inclusive design as the basis for investigating, creating and evaluating solutions for inclusive media and entertainment. Towards this long term goal, the applicant will focus her research on access to television, film, music, video games and other techniques of cultural expression for PWD and older adults. This will include building on sensory substitution techniques such as using vibration to represent sound and as an independent means of expression, and using audio/visual/vibration techniques to make new video games or gamify tasks so that they are inclusive of and fun for different generations. Also, evaluating these technologies and solutions is an important component of this research. Not only do PWD need to be involved in the development process but will also need to participate in the evaluation of any solutions. Having inclusive evaluation methodologies will also be a crucial aspect of the research effort. ***Learning about inclusive design and how it can be applied in different areas is part of how society can move forward in this area. Training students and research scholars at all different levels how to incorporate inclusive design thinking into their own thinking not only benefits the individual but also future employers, and products and services. In addition, the applicant is committed to recruiting students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing research in inclusive media and design which gives them better opportunities to overcome some of the barriers they may face by participating in the development of solutions.**