This Summer Study Abroad program is designed for students from all fields of study to learn about disability access in London and the role of technology in facilitating access for all citizens. The goals of the program are to give students the opportunity to learn about the role of technologies in increasing access for people living with disabilities, as well as the use of policy and advocacy for social change.
Students will get to explore London and learn about the challenges and opportunities associate with disability access in urban environments. Students will visit organizations advocating for people with disabilities, technological and infrastructure companies pioneering smart cities technology in urban planning, mass transportation, and autonomous vehicles. Students will also visit iconic landmarks in London and experience British culture in the two week program. There will be a week of virtual discussions before and after the program to facilitate pre-departure and post-program conversations.
The programme is run with Learn International in partnership with the University of East London's Rix Inclusive Research Institute and the University of Florida and open to students from all over the US.
*Costs of Personal care attendants, interpreters, travel companions or specific disability related accommodations are not included, airfare, spending money, and passport/visa fees.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
two-week programme blends lectures and workshops at the Rix Centre at the University of East London (UEL)with first-hand experience of accessibility innovation in practice. You will benefit from visiting organisations that advocate for people with disabilities and visit tech and infrastructure companies that pioneer Smart Cities technology in urban planning, public transportation and vehicle design.
The wider concept of
accessibility will be explored across diverse sectors such as education, tourism, sports, performance art, public transport, big tech and industry. The programme also includes opportunities for cultural immersion through activities, day trips, and excursions.
You will be ideally located at UEL’s Docklands campus in the historic Royal Docks area of East London. The contemporary and well-resourced campus offers lecture halls, seminar spaces, and access to a 24-hour Library and Learning Centre. The campus is also home to The Rix Inclusive Research Institute and a state-of-the-art multimedia production facility with audio-visual labs and studios. Based just a short distance from the city centre, students benefit from excellent rail and bus links, which allow easy access to London’s landmarks and visitor highlights.
You will earn US academic credits while you delve into London’s cosmopolitan culture and British history. Gain first-hand experience of accessibility initiatives, policy, and advocacy in a pioneering ‘Smart City’. Understand the role of technology in creating equitable solutions to make urban environments more accessible for all citizens, especially those with disabilities.
The wider concept of accessibility will be explored across diverse sectors such as education, tourism, sports, performance art, public transport, big tech and industry. The programme also includes opportunities for cultural immersion through activities, day trips, and excursions. Past examples include:
- The Houses of Parliament
- Transport for London – TFL Head of Disability Services
- London Southbank University
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
- A daytrip to Cardiff, Wales
*Please note: All activities, day trips and excursions are subject to change.
HOUSING INFORMATION
As a summer study abroad student, you’ll stay in UEL’s on-campus student housing. You will have a private single bedroom with ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. Kitchen and living areas are communal and shared with fellow students.
COURSE
Technological Applications for Disability Access
3 US Academic Credits
Official Transcript included
COURSE TOPICS
- Accessible Transportation – Experience London’s public transport system. Travel on the London Underground network and explore London on a sightseeing bus tour. Understand more about the development of accessible transport through classroom sessions and workshops at the Rix Centre.
- Accessible Education – Broaden your understanding with workshops and site visits to a specialist education academy.
- Accessible Sport – Visit leading sports venues such as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Tottenham Hotspur Football Stadium for an accessibility tour. Learn more about UEL’s approach to accessible sports and meet the East London Wheelchair Basketball Club.
- Big Tech and Blue Chip Engineering – Learn from global initiatives and visit groundbreaking organisations such as Google’s Accessibility Discovery Centre and ARUP.
- Accessible Museums – Explore the role of Tech and Gamification in accessible museum and visitor experiences. Visit a leading museum such as the British Museum.
- Student Projects – A student research project will be undertaken during the programme’s second week. You will be supported through workshops at the Rix Centre and with relevant site visits. The programme will culminate with poster presentations of the research undertaken.*Please note: Contributors, site visits, and activities are subject to change.
| Check with your Study Abroad Office on your institution's application procedures and apply through Learn International |
