Lockstitch sewing machines and Overlockers
The main barrier that I found within our workshops are the sewing machines. As the costume specialist technician, my role is to deliver technical workshops which all require the use of the industrial sewing machines and Overlockers. The outcomes of the technical workshops are part of the assessment criteria for year one two and pivotal for students to gain skills to progress through the degree. All students are assessed on their sewing ability and although we have had students in the past who have personal support assistance due to learning differences, they were not allowed to sew for the students. Currently, all our industrial sewing machines and overlocker’s are operated by a pedal controlled by the feet. I have asked Dave Richardson who is the machine technician for East Bank, if we have any industrial machines in the building that are wheelchair accessible and we do not. He informed me that many years ago they did make an electrical adaptation to a sewing machine for a student who was a wheelchair user and it took months to get this ordered, delivered and operational. But at least it is an option. The adaptation was a push button that powered the machine, however this is not ideal. There is no speed control with this, and you want your hands on the work you are sewing, not a button.
For students who are wheelchair users and students with mobility impairments, the use of a foot pedal is likely not an option to operate the machines.
Our overlocker machines have 2 foot pedals. One to lift the foot of the machine, and one to power it.
Pattern Cutting Tables.
I heard many discussions about having height adjustable pattern cutting tables for the move to East bank to make them accessible. However, that did not transpire. We have custom built tables that were designed for the user to be standing in order to draft patterns, which is industry standard. They stand at 920mm high which is a barrier for a wheelchair user who does not have a height adjustable chair. However, the main problem with the tables is not the height, but the storage shelf fitted towards the base. This is part of the frame of the table and can not be removed. This would prevent a chair from getting close to the table. We currently only have high stalls available as seating for the tables which could be a barrier for students with mobility impairments.
Conclusions of room observation: Qualitative data.
As it stands, we currently haver no industrial machines that can be used by wheelchair users, and potentially those with mobility impairments depending on condition. The only option we have for students is the use of domestic (at home) machines that are usable without a foot pedal. These are used in the rooms for certain garments and are used on the pattern cutting tables by students. As the tables are also an issue, the only option would be for students to use these in the heart space outside of the classroom. The detrimental and isolating effect this could have on a student has to be considered. “University staff need to be aware of the impact the hidden curriculum. can have on the social inclusion of disabled students. Disabled students need the opportunity to interact with their non-disabled peers socially.”
References
Masters, S (2023) Lockstitch machine
Masters, S (2023) Overlocker machines
Masters, S (2023) Pattern cutting tables
Shaw, A., (2021). Inclusion of disabled Higher Education students: why are we not there yet?. International Journal of Inclusive Education, pp.1-19. Available at https://www-tandfonline-com.arts.idm.oclc.org/doi/full/10.1080/13603116.2021.1968514 [Accessed] 24th November 2023.