An Examination of the Physical Environment at Special Education Centres in Eskişehir Based on Universal Design Principles

Abstract

Universal design is the design of products, services and environments so that they can be accessed and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, without the need for adaptation and specialized design. This study aims to examine the physical conditions at special education and rehabilitation centres in Eskişehir based on the principles of universal design. The participants for this study were selected from 13 centres in the province of Eskişehir.  Descriptive survey model was used for this examination. The data collected with “Universal Design Checklist” were obtained through direct observation, and analysed using frequency (f) and percentage (%). The findings of the analysis were approached from two perspectives: the number of the centres, and the scores they got from the checklist. The examination of the findings shows that the sections with the highest average are the “features related to classrooms” and “emergency exits and emergency situations”, with the lowest average being the “features of physical accessibility” and “toilets”. The findings were discussed based on the related literature.