Introducing Computer Science Students to Inclusive Design and Accessibility: Evaluation of Practical Exercises with a Low-Cost Simulation Kit

Young developers of digital technologies need to be aware of the principles of inclusive design and accessibility, but it is difficult to teach these concepts in the abstract. Practical simulations of the effects of disability and aging can be engaging for students, but expensive to purchase and are criticised as disrespectful to people with disabilities and older people. We have developed a very low-cost simulation kit and used it in a practical exercise with computer science students, emphasising that this are not the same as being disabled or older. When possible, the practical exercises are complemented by a session with a disabled person who talks about their experience with using digital technologies. The practical exercise gives some insight into the experience of visually disabled and older people in using these technologies. The low-cost nature and tasks we created to undertake with the kit were designed to also instil some fun into the exercise. An evaluation with 63 first year undergraduate computer science students yielded positive ratings of the exercise and many interesting comments from the students.