What’s ‘in’(frastructure)?
Main Topic
Mobility - Ownership of Public Space
Additional Topic(s)
Empowerment and Inclusion – Special Needs
Health - Physical
Mobility - Visibility of Youth
Health - Physical
Mobility - Visibility of Youth
Duration
1-2 hours
Implementation Mode
Outdoor F2F
Goal(s)
● Identify positives and negatives in relation to infrastructure and accessibility in your area.
● Reflect on what makes a community accessible for all.
Expected Results
Upon completing this activity, young people will be able to understand the infrastructure in the built environment and will be able to identify what might make the area more accessible.
● Reflect on what makes a community accessible for all.
Expected Results
Upon completing this activity, young people will be able to understand the infrastructure in the built environment and will be able to identify what might make the area more accessible.
Overview of Activity
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many areas we might have frequented, such as schools, parks, community centers, and friends' houses were restricted to us. These spaces, accessed on a daily or weekly basis, were made inaccessible and our mobility to and within them dampened. With more freedom achievable now than during lockdown periods, it is important to ask – is the world open and accessible for everyone?
This activity aims to encourage young people to take an active role in interacting with their local infrastructure, and to reflect on it and to identify what makes the area accessible, or not, for them and for people of all abilities.
This activity aims to encourage young people to take an active role in interacting with their local infrastructure, and to reflect on it and to identify what makes the area accessible, or not, for them and for people of all abilities.
Description of Activity
1. Watch this video that explains what infrastructure is: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpvbVyUCi78">What Is Infrastructure? - YouTube (2 minutes)
2. Now as a group brainstorm and write down the infrastructure that is present in your area. Such as footpaths, telephone lines etc. (5 minutes)
3. Now watch this video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCLCETQVWxQ">What Is Accessibility? - YouTube (1.5 minutes)
4. As a group, discuss how infrastructure and accessibility are linked. Brainstorm this on a board or a large piece of paper. (10 minutes)
5. Split the group into smaller groups of approx. 3 to 5. All groups will now take a walk outside for 20 – 30 minutes and observe the infrastructure in the area. At this stage you want to pay particular attention to;
● What state is the infrastructure in?
● How ‘accessible’ is the area?
● Can you walk around easily?
● Could I use my bike if I wanted to?
● Is this area safe for everyone?
● Is the area accessible for people with disabilities such as wheelchair users, the visually impaired, those who are deaf?
What modes of transport can people use to get in and out of here?
6. Once back inside reconvene as the larger group again. Allow for each group to share their experience on their walk and what they thought of the infrastructure and accessibility of the area. Use questions similar to those listed above (15 minutes)
7. Lastly, as a group reflect on what would make your area more accessible and what sort of infrastructure would help (15 minutes)
2. Now as a group brainstorm and write down the infrastructure that is present in your area. Such as footpaths, telephone lines etc. (5 minutes)
3. Now watch this video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCLCETQVWxQ">What Is Accessibility? - YouTube (1.5 minutes)
4. As a group, discuss how infrastructure and accessibility are linked. Brainstorm this on a board or a large piece of paper. (10 minutes)
5. Split the group into smaller groups of approx. 3 to 5. All groups will now take a walk outside for 20 – 30 minutes and observe the infrastructure in the area. At this stage you want to pay particular attention to;
● What state is the infrastructure in?
● How ‘accessible’ is the area?
● Can you walk around easily?
● Could I use my bike if I wanted to?
● Is this area safe for everyone?
● Is the area accessible for people with disabilities such as wheelchair users, the visually impaired, those who are deaf?
What modes of transport can people use to get in and out of here?
6. Once back inside reconvene as the larger group again. Allow for each group to share their experience on their walk and what they thought of the infrastructure and accessibility of the area. Use questions similar to those listed above (15 minutes)
7. Lastly, as a group reflect on what would make your area more accessible and what sort of infrastructure would help (15 minutes)
Sources & Additional Materials
● Paper & pen;
● Whiteboard, flip chart
● Definitions – given in Notes section below (to be used as an aide if needed)
Definition of infrastructure: "https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/infrastructure?q=infrastructure">infrastructure noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
Definition of accessibility: "https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/accessibility?q=accessibility+">accessibility noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
● Whiteboard, flip chart
● Definitions – given in Notes section below (to be used as an aide if needed)
Definition of infrastructure: "https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/infrastructure?q=infrastructure">infrastructure noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
Definition of accessibility: "https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/accessibility?q=accessibility+">accessibility noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
Additional Notes
N.B. If it is not a safe or suitable place to walk, just have a discussion amongst the whole group about their lived experience with the area. Ask participants to share their opinions on whether they think their area has adequate infrastructure for accessibility and mobility for all ages and abilities.
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