Earn +1 HSW CE by joining RDAC for "Designing for Deaf and Disabled Equity – A Conversation with Alexa Vaughn, ASLA, FAAR." This event will bring awareness to DeafScape design guidelines, showcase national and local case studies, and explore how designing with disabled individuals leads to better public spaces for all.

The course will include a presentation of DeafScape design principles by Alexa Vaughn, ASLA, FAAR. A virtual lecture (Zoom) and slideshow presentation will focus on how DeafScape design principles can be applied within our cities to public spaces more inclusive for the Deaf and hard of hearing and improve the quality of our public spaces for all users. The presentation will last 45 min for the presentation and 15 min for audience Q & A.

Guest Speaker: Alexa Vaughn, ASLA, FAAR

Alexa Vaughn (ASLA, FAAR) is a Deaf consultant (DeafScape, Design with Disabled People Now) and landscape designer , a PhD student in Architecture and Urban Design at UCLA, and recent Fellow of the American Academy in Rome (with the Rome Prize in Landscape Architecture, 2022-2023) .

She has dedicated her practice and research to educating landscape architects, related professionals, and academia about the importance of including the disabled community in the design process, from the beginning all the way through finished product (and even after construction!). Much of her work can be found at www.designwithdisabledpeoplenow.com.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how the application of DeafScape design principles to our public realm can improve access, safety, and social interaction for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

2. Understand how DeafScape design principles support safer, more vibrant streetscapes and public spaces for all.

3. Present best practices for engaging and integrating disabled people in the design process from concept through construction.

4. Become familiar with case studies of projects that have (unknowingly) implemented DeafScape design principles beneficially.

5. Understand the critical need to create accessible and inclusive spaces designed beyond ADA and state requirements to ensure safety for stakeholders and holistic investments for clients.

RDAC meets via Zoom on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Noon

No registration required - just jump on the Zoom link above.

RDAC members include interdisciplinary design professionals committed to shaping San Diego’s future and advocating for the highest quality design of its communities, development projects, and policies.