Amelia Smith - BA (Hons) Interior Design
Project 'Meet In The Middle'
"Project Meet In The Middle" is an innovative initiative designed to support students with Moderate Learning Disabilities (MLD) - who find themselves trapped in the educational void, with no further options and at risk of being categorized as economically inactive. This project offers them an opportunity to pursue a degree in an environment tailored to their unique needs, ultimately preparing them for employment and providing a hopeful glimpse into a brighter future. Adressing the job inequality gap between disabled and non-disabled people in employment.
The name 'Meet In The Middle' stems from the gap between disabled and non disabled people in employment. Imagining this project was successful, this gap with time will close and as a result MLD students will have equal opportunities in employment to non-disabled people.
'Meet In The Middle' is the project name with Hulme Hippodrome University as the client. Hulme Hippodrome University is a University specifically aimed at MLD students aged 16-65 who have the potential to thrive in education but a mainstream university fails to meet their unique needs. With personal learning plans, a large variety of accessible equipment and technology, and a careful consideration about the design of the space being accessible for as many needs as possible. Hulme Hippodrome University thrives on giving MLD a second chance at education without them feeling the pressures of society around them or the struggles presented in a traditional educational space.
This project was inspired by my older sister who was born with a Moderate Learning Disability. My research looked at the experiences she faced in education as someone who sat in the intermediate educational level, this led to the disign outcome.
