The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) today launch a significant research project looking into disability and inclusion in the profession, which is aimed at raising the profile of disabled architects and architectural students.
The research is being undertaken by Sandra Manley and Ann de Graft-Johnson of the School of the Built and Natural Environment at UWE, who previously collaborated with the RIBA on the research project Why women leave architecture (2003).
As one of the key projects led by the RIBA's equality and diversity forum Architects for Change, the research will seek to identify examples of good practice in the profession facilitating equal opportunities for disabled people as entrants and practitioners.
"This is an opportunity for all constituencies in the profession of architecture to hold up a mirror to their everyday attitudes, and re-evaluate the manner in which disability is treated in both architecture education and practice," commented David Gloster, Director of Education at the RIBA.
"We are confident that the results of the research will provoke both debate and change."