2004 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Making Facilities Accessible and Usable for Individuals with Hearing Impairments
| Project/Area Number |
15560545
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Town planning/Architectural planning
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| Research Institution | Toyo University |
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Principal Investigator |
TAKAHASHI Gihei Toyo University, Engineering, Professor, 工学部, 教授 (60058162)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
FUJII Hiroyoshi Toyo University, Engineering, Lecturer, 工学部, 講師 (10058141)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2003 – 2004
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| Keywords | hearing-impaired / deaf school / accessibility and usability / communication skills / visual information / emergency information / universal design |
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| Research Abstract |
The aim of the present study is to identify what needs to be done to create an environment in which individuals with hearing impairments have access to various amenities and services that enable them to communicate freely with individuals who do not have hearing impairments. In this respect, the following investigations were undertaken.
1.A questionnaire survey was conducted among children attending schools for the deaf to identify the kinds of barriers and difficulties that affect the life of the hearing-impaired. Auditory and language training during early childhood proved to be effective for enhancing the communication skills of children with hearing impairments. It also became evident that various forms of visual information should be provided both at school and at home to ensure that children with hearing impairments have access to important information.
2.The types of amenities and services currently available at schools for the deaf were analyzed. Many of the schools that were investigated did not have sufficient amenities and services to assist children with hearing impairments. The accessibility and usability of facilities can be improved not only through visual information (such as, finger language, writings, etc.) but also by adding UD features to the existing facilities.
3.The modes in which information (announcements) is delivered in public spaces and facilities were also analyzed.
It has become evident over the course of these investigations that many facilities lack appropriate communication procedures not only for ordinary but also for emergency situations. Some laws and regulations, including the Fire Services Act, should be revised to reflect the special needs of the hearing-impaired.
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