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Learning about inclusive design and neurodiversity

Our International Care Forum is always an event which draws a crowd, and this year was no exception! Despite Storm Ciaran's best attempts, our 60 guests from around the world made it to our showroom in Clerkenwell.

This year the focus was on inclusive design and neurodiversity. After introductions from Joe Hurst, Altro’s Social Care Key Account Manager, it was straight onto our first speaker, Stephanie Kyle of Maber Architects.

Through interactive sessions, we learned the difference between disabled and accessible toilets, the difference between neurodivergent, neurotypical and neurogenerative and the dos and don’ts of design versus practicality.

Maria Luigia Assirelli of Floyd Slaski Architects then spoke about using colour for autism, and how colour can define space, particularly focusing on education environments. An insight into using curved designs to include biophilia was discussed, along with avoiding stimulating colours in classrooms.

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For the second day, Lynsey Hutchinson from DSDC, Stirling University explained how designing for dementia needs to be about seeing the whole building as dementia friendly, not simply a separate wing. The importance of maximising independence through the design, and creating a sense of security, comfort, and personal identity for the residents. Julie Ockerby from Meli Design ended the day with an interactive trends workshop, creating a mood board in small groups with a different topic for each, including Covid-19, climate change and cyber-attack. The groups had a fun time discussing and choosing samples to use for their given topic, and the mood boards were presented back to the forum.

Julie said, “Gathering people in one city from all around the world is no easy feat! Thank you to Altro for hosting this year's care forum in London and having me as one of the speakers.

A packed agenda with fellow speakers Stephanie Kyle, Maria Luigia Assirelli and Lynsey Hutchinson — we all aspire to inspire you to intentionally improve how we design for fully inclusive spaces, best practices with a focus on neurodiversity.

To a global contingent who participated so well in the interactive session. Big thanks for breaking out of your comfort zones.”

Joe Hurst said, “To the incredible guest speakers Stephanie Kyle, Maria Luigia Assirelli, Lynsey Hutchinson and Julie Ockerby. Thank you for your knowledge, passion and fun and for ensuring that we are inspired to continue to improve and design fully inclusive spaces and environments. Hope to see you at the next one!”

Published 10/11/2023