Training course explores impact of the environment of patients with neurological disorders
Centre for Accessible Environments leads training for care of people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties
The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) is launching a training course exploring how people with neurological conditions interact and respond to different environments.
The Design for the Mind course focuses on design responses to acute needs such as dementia, autism and learning difficulties.
Applicable to virtually all environments, the training will draw on examples and illustrate the design significance of social dynamics (interplay between space and occupants), the sensory environment (colour, light, sound and biodiversity), orientation (wayfinding and recollection); and safeguarding (the wellbeing of vulnerable people and those in their support networks).
Led by Steve Maslin, an access consultant with a background in design and mind-related needs, the training is aimed at designers, consultants and people-orientated professionals within commercial, retail and public sector organisations. It will help implement government-backed themes such as the significance of wellbeing economics, dementia-friendly communities and the national Autism Strategy.
Helen Carter, interim director of the CAE, said: “Organisations of all kinds are well used to using design to meet a range of physical access requirements. However, there is now a much-needed drive to provide facilities that are accessible to people with conditions such as dementia and autism.
“This CAE training course enables organisations to extend their expertise in order to meet the wider needs of people with neurological conditions and move to providing accessible environments for all.”
The half-day course takes place in London on 11 February and 18 March 2014 between 2pm-4.30pm. CAE members can book their place for £135 (non-members £150). Booking forms can be accessed from the CAE website or by calling 020 7822 8232.
