Special Needs


Aurora University Completes Residence Hall for Neurodiverse Students

Aurora University in Aurora, Ill., recently completed construction on a new campus residence hall geared toward students on the autism spectrum, according to a news release.

Designing for Neurodiversity: Leveraging Research to Create Spaces for All Learners

Interior design is often considered an art, but it’s also very much a science—especially when it comes to designing for neurodiverse populations.

Zumbro Education District Special Education Center

Minnesota District to Open New Special Education Facility

The Zumbro Education District in Byron, Minn., recently completed construction on a new special education facility for the district. According to a news release, the $16.47-million, 61,031-square-foot space will serve as a combined learning center for three separate program types for at-risk K–12 students.

LIDaR map of a portion of the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff.

Northern AZ U Tackles Accessibility Mapping Project

Northern Arizona University is working with Quantum Spatial, a geospatial data company, to develop an accessibility map to help people with mobility issues more easily navigate the hilly campus.

Florida School Unveils New Building for Students with Dyslexia

Middle school students began classes on Monday at the newly constructed building at Roberts Academy, a private school for students with dyslexia.

sensory room

Sensory Rooms May Help Ease the Anxiety Students Feel from COVID-19

The stimulating environment of a sensory room may heighten awareness, provide a sense of security and comfort, improve creativity, promote mental and physical relaxation, and even decrease aggressive behaviors.

Caption: Single leaf sliding doors support North Creek High School’s (NCHS) collaborative culture in Bothell, Washington. Credit: © Chris Eden / edenphotography.us

Collaborative Design Through the Lens of Interior Sliding Doors

In Bothell, Washington, Dykeman, Inc. worked with the Northshore School District to create a flexible, innovative learning center for 1,600 students centered on collaboration. They incorporated state-of-the-art interior single leaf sliding doors and hardware into eight "collaboration cubes" to pave the way for project-based and problem-based group learning, without compromising design.

lifelong learning

Designing for Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Are there similarities in the design of spaces for education and for senior living? Specific areas where the two intersect include creating spaces that foster lifelong learning, help people build communities and foster relationships, and combat the stigma of being either young or old.

Spotlight on Inclusion and Accessibility

Accessibility in higher education has many different implications and can be viewed from either a physical, economic, or social standpoint.

Spotlight on Student Healthcare

Dr. Betsy Clachko, medical director for Sacred Heart University Student Health Services in Fairfield, CT, discusses some of the challenges and benefits of on-campus healthcare, covering topics ranging from student medical records to maximizing medical resources.

Inviting Spaces

Inviting Spaces

Designing for special needs in k-12 schools.

Some Children Are Left Behind

Here is one school safety issue that we can address.

Make it Right

If an emergency occurs, we need a comprehensive plan that includes everyone.

Lifts to Upper Levels of Schools Need to be Quiet and Dignified

One challenge for K-12 facility managers tasked to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been offering full access to elevated areas on campus. These areas can range from stages and raised platforms to theater, auditorium, library, administrative offices and student centers with mezzanines or second floors not served by a traditional elevator.

Successful School Design

Successful Designs Inside and Out

Experiential and accessible environments for students with special needs.

high school bleachers

Dant Clayton and NJPA Team up to Elevate the Fan Experience at Beaver Local High School

Working together, Dant Clayton and NJPA created the opportunity for the Beaver Local High School to replace its non-compliant and outdated bleachers with an ADA-approved grandstand, complete with a press box, that seats nearly 2,500.

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