Beyond
How might we create an environment for teens and young adults with cerebral palsy to prepare for an independent lifestyle and achieve a college education?
Skills Used
Project Overview
For the completion of my masters degree, each student is tasked with completing an individual thesis project. After determining I wanted to focus on designing a tool for young adults with cerebral palsy, I began speaking with many individuals to understand the the pain points experienced.
Ultimately, I uncovered that the idea of preparing to leave for college is extremely daunting for this population due to to the lack of resources available. My goal was to develop a service that helps teens and young adults with cerebral palsy feel supported in their endeavor to receive a higher education.
Secondary Research
After deciding to pursue this topic, I conducted secondary research to learn more about Cerebral Palsy and the resources that currently exist for these young adults. My secondary research included internet searches, joining Facebook groups, attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and observing a few support groups in order to build empathy for the user.
This secondary research helped me to better understand what life is like for those with Cerebral Palsy. I was able to silently watch and listen in order to gain perspective on the types of problems these individuals face.
Attended a conference on inclusion within design
A Facebook group I joined to listen and learn
User Research
With a clearer idea for this project’s direction, I began user research by speaking with over 15 individuals with Cerebral Palsy. I spoke with people ranging from 17 to 26 years old in order to understand what their transition from high school to secondary education was like.
She recognizes that everyone experiences stress around growing up, but people with cerebral palsy have more to worry about, like making sure they get any academic or physical accommodations, and if schools are willing to work with them.
When Anne has to decide where to apply, she feels she has no choice but to stay at or close to home.
“If I can’t be sure about the right school for me, how could I ever survive on my own?”
Anne represents the individuals I spoke with and helps me tell their story.
Anne is a sophomore in high school currently, and she was diagnosed with mild spastic cerebral palsy at birth. She is starting to think about her options after high school and is realizing the process may be more difficult than she thought.
”I was really excited to start looking at colleges, but then I realized how hard it is for someone with my disabilities.”
I mapped out Anne’s emotional journey as she works through the college search process. We see that she has negative experiences surrounding really trying to understand her full options and being able ot make a decision.