CREATIVE EMPOWERMENT during COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges for people with disabilities. Information is vital and we should work together to co-design and co-exist in a constantly changing society to ensure people with disabilities are kept informed and have access to help.
This project aims at Empowering Individuals, who are self-isolating or quarantining, and through design to allow them to empower other individuals.
The Diversity and Inclusivity by Design, at the School of Design, University of Greenwich, in collaboration with the National Autistic Society and the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK, invite members of the National Autistic Society to take part in a design competition. The participants will design a medical protective mask that can help support people with sight loss, who have become isolated or are concerned about accessing information, products or services. A committee of design researchers and practitioners will vote for the best three designs, which will be then produced in a limited edition. The winning mask will be produced and distributed to help blind and partially sighted people.
"With much of the world in lockdown due to the COVID-19, the global design community is facing unprecedented challenges. Design is one of the disciplines that can empower people and provide design solutions that could enhance communities”.
Dr Anastasios Maragiannis, Deputy Head, School of Design from University of Greenwich, Diversity and Inclusivity by Design leader.
“Culture is, perhaps, one of the most precarious and vulnerable sectors, especially during crisis-ridden periods. And, yet, it is through engagement with culture and creative activities that the individuals can both empower themselves and get through the vast psychological effects of such an unprecedented situation as the current prolonged period of global lockdown. Stay in, be creative, enjoy culture!”
Dr Marios Psaras, Cultural Counsellor, High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK
Download the brief here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/obkatewor8qnvcc/empowering%20brief%20covid19%20LowRes.pdf?dl=0
or visit the website
http://diversityinclusivity.design/covid-19/
