Abstract

The paper discusses a design education project applied to students with learning and physical difficulties or disabilities. It is part of the collaborative activities of the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Greece, with European Schools of Design through the Socrates/Erasmus educational programmes. The unique feature of this project and the case study is that it provides the opportunity for design students to explore multidisciplinary design issues, offering equal educational possibilities and project participation to students with or without difficulties/disabilities. The research team investigated the possibility of a design theme that has common interest at a supranational level, can be undertaken and fulfilled together with other schools of design of different countries, languages and cultures, with the active participation of students with or without learning and physical difficulties/disabilities. Designing for a theatrical performance in the University environment by students and for audience who cannot understand a language or have hearing problems was the final common decision of the research team. It is historically and actively proven that theatre, through pedagogical and emotional inputs, is emphasizing pedagogy, idealism and inclusiveness. Motivating paradigm that initiated the present work was the new digital technology, challenging to offer accessibility to blind and deaf people. The case study is an interaction of different disciplines, methods and techniques in design, textiles, and stage design education and practice, with the direct involvement of design professors and students. All participants have benefited from the research work, the exchange of insights, tools and methods that support design education, and from sharing experience, ideas and information. The use of technology played a vital role during all steps of the case study. The results of the total work are intended to contribute to the active design education field for students with learning difficulties/disabilities. Examples from the total work will be provided.