With this webcast, IHCD introduces an expanded education commitment. We plan to roll out a mix of webcasts, podcasts, interviews, and case studies this year. We believe that sharing stories and real experience delivers the most impact.
Chris Downey lost his sight completely mid-career and created a new identity as the Blind Architect. He digs deeper on every project to create multi-sensory solutions.
Deepak KC, with a physical disability since birth, has worked on global initiatives with the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Union of Architects to make inclusive architecture a central goal of equal rights in the Global South.
Through sharing their experiences, we'll demonstrate the themes that we will continue to explore: the power of design in social equity, the value of lived experience and participatory design, and the role of media.
Project Overview
United States of America
The Life Skills Training Center at Washington State School for the Blind, in Vancouver, WA, prioritizes the Blind, Low Vision (BLV) community. The Learning Independence for Today and Tomorrow (or the LIFTT program), a 9-unit residence, integrates Inclusive Design principles with multi-sensory formats, tactile elements, and outdoor spaces. Chris Downey consulted on its development.
Nepal
Accessible toilets and public infrastructure are vital human rights. Despite a 90% increase in toilet accessibility in Nepal since 1990, this doesn't ensure access for all, including people with disabilities. Initiated by Deepak KC, Ensuring Toilets for All: Universal Access Public Toilet Project receives support from Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) and the Society of Nepalese Architects.
About the Speakers
Chris Downey, President, Architecture for the Blind
Chris Downey has 35 years of experience. Since 2008, he's leveraged this altered perspective as a strength, and specializes in cultural, transit and technology projects for the blind and low vision.
As the inaugural UC Berkeley, Department of Architecture Visiting Professor of Practice in Social Justice in Design, he taught a graduate architecture studio in 2022 and seminar in 2023.
Downey has been featured in numerous media stories and exhibitions, including 60 Minutes, TED Talk the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Deepak KC, 2023-2024 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow
Deepak KC is an architect, accessible design consultant and disability rights advocate in Nepal.
As a consultant for the World Bank Group Nepal’s Earthquake Housing Reconstruction Project, he ensured that homes were fully accessible for people with disabilities. KC has also worked with the International Union of Architects (UIA) to promote Inclusive Design.
Currently, KC is a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow for 2023-2024 and will pursue Urban and Regional Planning studies at MIT.
Key Details
- Date: Thursday, Feburary 22, 2024
- Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m EST
- Location: Online on Zoom Webinar. Closed captioning will be provided.
- Type: IHCD Global Webcast
- Price: Free
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to request an accommodation, please email us at communications@IHCDesign.org.
This webcast is part of the IHCD International Inclusive Design Webcast Series in Memory of Eliza Forrest Kaye Bromfield. Eliza was a beloved member of the IHCD family. Through this series of public lunch & learn events that Eliza ran in her years with IHCD, we intend to honor her curiosity and enthusiasm for inclusive design. We sincerely thank her loving family for their generous support of this lecture series.