Disability & Design

How Design & Technology Can Improve Access

Learn about accessibility with Roberta Sick and Melanie Thornton from Partners for Inclusive Communities!

Historically, spaces and things have been designed in ways that exclude many people with disabilities. We’ll think about the relationship between disability and design and consider ways that good design and assistive technologies can bridge the gap and make the world a more inclusive place for all of us. Some examples will be provided demonstrating how the creative use of assistive technology can meet the needs of all kinds of users in different ways.

After learning about accessibility and design with Roberta and Melanie, please join us next week in the Center for Innovation to learn about 3D printing accessibility tools yourself!

Roberta Sick is the Program Director for the Initiatives on Access and Justice at the University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Communities. She provides training and technical assistance on a number of areas. From emergency preparedness, to tools for living, and adapted toys and problem solving, she works to offer suggestions for improving access and quality of life as needs arise. She has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arkansas and is a licensed professional counselor. In her spare time, she hits the road for van camping after getting two big dogs that did not fit in the car.

Melanie Thornton is the Coordinator of Access and Equity Outreach at University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Communities. She is interested in working with organizations to create more accessible environments and to reframe perspectives of disability as an aspect of diversity. Prior to coming to the U of A, Melanie was the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center and the Director of Project PACE at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also has 8 years of experience working as a counselor with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. Melanie earned her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Gallaudet University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Hendrix College. Melanie enjoys writing, hiking, kayaking, camping and playing with her dog and cats.

Join us on Tuesday, July 18 for a continuation of this program, where participants will learn how to 3D print accessibility tools in our Fabrication & Robotics lab. Sign up here! 

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