The projects aim is to design a model of social, educational, and architectural adaptations of the Jagiellonian University Campus to better answer the needs of neurodiverse and neurotypical community.
In the first part of the project, quantitative and qualitative studies will be prepared to explore how frequent neurodiversity traits are in the academic community as well as how neurodiverse and neurotypical people describe their needs concerning university space and other accommodations (educational, social or sensory). Furthermore, structured interviews based on the Design Thinking method will be created to better understand how neurodiverse and neurotypical students co-exist on the University Campus and further explore their demands and expectations. In the end, proposed solutions to make campus a more inclusive and safe space for a neurodiverse community will be tested.
The second part of the project – the implementation stage – will be based on the experience gained from the research phase. A new space will be created (special room/rooms) tailored to the neurodiverse people's needs. Moreover, changes will be introduced in already existing university areas according to neurodiverse participants' suggestions.
Furthermore, socially impactful actions will be conducted. Importantly, scientific conference/course/workshops/educational materials will be prepared to increase the awareness of neurodiversity in academic communities. A physical/virtual space for neurodiverse students and academics will be created where they will be able to share their experiences and socialize. Finally, trained mentors’ assistance and educational materials will be offered to the neurodiverse community to provide them with better support in their academic duties.
Neurodiverse people are more prone to anxiety, loneliness, depression, and problems in social interactions than neurotypical people. These predicaments hinder the development of their academic and professional potential. Thus, the project addresses a need critical for the equality of opportunity for neurodiverse individuals on the UJ Campus.