This has been the biggest challenge so far with my ARP. Knowing which research methods to use to get the best data. I have already encountered a few problems along the way. Mainly being that colleagues have be very reluctant to have a formal interview with me for my research. I have heard some concerning comments made with the set up of East Bank on why certain decisions were made about aesthetics over accessibility. What happened to the height adjustable pattern cutting tables we were promised? Too Expensive. Why not have just one per room? They would not match the aesthetically. When I asked if I could talk to them formally for my research project, I was told no, this might have repercussions for me if I talk about this. That I understand. This project started in a positive light for me. I appreciated finally being in an accessible building and now wanted to see how we could push that further. To find out these discussion already happened and that choices were made against what I am trying to achieve with my research, not just because of financial reasons, but for aesthetics? I find that quite demoralising and also embarrassing. How can I get the information I need when know one is willing to talk to me. This isn’t a whistle blowing research project after all.
During my first group tutorial, I discussed these issues and how I felt stuck on which research method to use. It was suggested that I could use Autoethnography. This is a research method that I am completely unfamiliar with and will have to read about to get a better understanding of how I can use this for my project.
I have already been conducting Desk Research obtaining quantitative data that is already existing such as the percentages of students at university with disabilities that are already published. I will also be doing more Desk research to find out if it is possible to but alternative equipment for the rooms that are accessible to all students.
I still hope that I will be able to find colleagues that are willing to be interviewed to collect qualitative data, mostly the disability advisors. I have spoken to the advisor for performance, however they are incredibly busy due to the number of ISA’s they are processing. I hope that In time they will have availability to talk with me.
In an ideal world my project would consist of finding barriers, formulating an intervention, report the finding and start the next spiral. The reality is we do not currently have any students at LCF that could participate in my intervention. Due to the equipment barriers for physically disabled people, sewing is not a common hobby in that demographic. Finding an external disabled sewers to talk to is also something I am having difficulty in finding.
My colleague who is the support technician for 3D effects for Performance and also a dissertation tutor has been incredibly helpful. Through discussions with her about my project she made some great suggestions about my intervention. Observing the rooms EB822 823 824 and 828 (costume rooms) is a methodology and an intervention in discovering barriers that we have for the practical side of the course. Using my own observations of the equipment and furniture to see if any of these are wheelchair/mobility impaired accessible.