It is important for us to know how you made the design choices you did for your Disability Expo (just in case my disability expo that I design is a unique space in the dining area only for veterans and veteran with services dog where they can eat and relax peacefully without hear of interact with others)

QUESTION

It is important for us to know how you made the design choices you did for your Disability Expo (just in case my disability expo that I design is a unique space in the dining area only for veterans and veteran with services dog where they can eat and relax peacefully without hear of interact with others)

In a 4-5 page paper, please discuss:
Why you chose the disability you did: Because I’m a disabled veteran with a lot of fellow friends with PTSD.
Why you chose the space you did: Disabled veterans, especially with PTSD, often wish to have an isolated dining area where he or she isn’t in contact with others.
Needs for the disability you are designing for
Universal design elements
Pros/cons of each design choice
Course topic(s) that guided your design
How you incorporated the research from your Annotated Bibliography in your final design
DON’T USED TBI ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ONLY PTSD

ANSWER

Design Choices for a Disability Expo: Creating an Isolated Dining Space for Veterans with PTSD and Service Dogs

In this paper, we will discuss the design choices made for a unique space within a disability expo—an isolated dining area exclusively for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and their service dogs. The selection of this disability and space was motivated by the author’s personal experience as a disabled veteran with PTSD, as well as the desire to cater to the specific needs and preferences of this community. This paper will outline the rationale behind the chosen disability and space, identify the needs of veterans with PTSD, explore universal design elements, assess the pros and cons of each design choice, highlight relevant course topics, and discuss the incorporation of research from the annotated bibliography.

Choice of Disability: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The decision to focus on veterans with PTSD as the target disability for the design of the expo space stems from the author’s personal experience and understanding of the challenges faced by this community. As a disabled veteran with PTSD, the author can empathize with the desire for a safe and peaceful environment where veterans can dine and relax without the stress of social interaction. This choice aims to address the specific needs of veterans with PTSD and create a supportive space that promotes their well-being.

Choice of Space: Isolated Dining Area

The chosen space within the disability expo is an isolated dining area, separate from the main dining hall, exclusively designated for veterans with PTSD and their service dogs. The rationale behind this choice is rooted in the observation that many veterans, particularly those with PTSD, often experience heightened anxiety and discomfort in crowded or busy environments (Nieforth et al., 2022). By providing a separate dining area, veterans with PTSD can have a tranquil and peaceful space where they can eat and relax without the need for constant interaction or the fear of triggering their symptoms.

Needs of Veterans with PTSD

Designing for veterans with PTSD requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs. Some key considerations include:

Privacy and Safety: Veterans with PTSD often value privacy and may feel more comfortable in a space that offers a sense of security and seclusion. Ensuring the dining area provides adequate privacy and minimizes distractions is crucial.

Calm Environment: Veterans with PTSD may be sensitive to loud noises, sudden movements, or crowded spaces (Poulsen et al., 2016). The design should aim to create a serene and calming environment, employing soundproofing materials and minimizing unnecessary stimuli.

Accessibility: The dining area must be accessible to veterans with physical disabilities, ensuring ease of movement and accommodating any assistive devices or mobility aids.

Universal Design Elements

To create an inclusive and accessible dining area for veterans with PTSD, incorporating universal design elements is essential. Some examples include

Clear Signage: Visible and easily understandable signage can assist veterans in navigating the expo and locating the isolated dining area without confusion.

Adequate Lighting: Well-designed lighting that balances functionality and ambiance is crucial, as it can contribute to a calm atmosphere and minimize sensory triggers.

Ergonomic Furniture: Selecting comfortable and supportive furniture can enhance the dining experience for veterans with physical disabilities, reducing any discomfort or pain.

Pros and Cons of Design Choices

Pros:

– Offers an exclusive space for veterans with PTSD to dine and relax without triggering their symptoms.

– Provides a peaceful environment that caters to the specific needs and preferences of veterans with PTSD.

– Fosters a sense of community among veterans, allowing them to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Cons:

– Potential isolation from the larger disability expo community, limiting opportunities for social interaction and networking.

– Additional logistical considerations, such as maintaining a separate dining area and ensuring efficient service to veterans with PTSD.

Course Topics Guiding the Design:

Several relevant course topics guide the design of the isolated dining area for veterans with PTSD, including:

Universal Design: Incorporating universal design principles to create an inclusive space that accommodates diverse needs and promotes accessibility.

Environmental Psychology: Utilizing knowledge of environmental psychology to create a calming and supportive environment that aids in reducing anxiety and stress.

Inclusive Community Design: Designing spaces that foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for social interaction among individuals with disabilities.

Incorporation of Annotated Bibliography Research

The research gathered from the annotated bibliography significantly influenced the final design of the isolated dining area. For example, studies exploring the impact of environmental factors on individuals with PTSD informed decisions regarding lighting, soundproofing, and the overall layout of the space (Yarborough et al., 2018). Additionally, research on the benefits of service dogs for individuals with PTSD guided the inclusion of accommodations for service dogs within the dining area.

Conclusion

The design choices made for the disability expo, specifically the isolated dining area for veterans with PTSD and service dogs, were driven by the author’s personal experience and the unique needs of this community. By creating a separate and tranquil environment, the design aims to provide veterans with PTSD a space where they can eat and relax peacefully without the fear of social interactions. Incorporating universal design elements and drawing on relevant course topics ensures that the space is accessible, inclusive, and caters to the specific requirements of this target audience.

References

Nieforth, L. O., Rodriguez, K. E., & O’Haire, M. E. (2022). Expectations versus experiences of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs: An inductive conventional content analysis. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 14(3), 347–356. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001021

Poulsen, D. V., Stigsdotter, U. K., Djernis, D., & Sidenius, U. (2016). ‘Everything just seems much more right in nature’: How veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder experience nature-based activities in a forest therapy garden. Health Psychology Open, 3(1), 205510291663709. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102916637090 

Yarborough, B. J. H., Stumbo, S. P., Yarborough, M. T., Owen-Smith, A., & Green, C. A. (2018). Benefits and challenges of using service dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 41(2), 118–124. https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000294