Insight from experience - tools for increased understanding of invisible disabilities at the workplace
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Certec, Institutionen för designvetenskaper |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 829 010 |
| Project duration | May 2019 - October 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
| Call | Challenge-driven innovation - Stage 2 Collaboration 2019 (spring) |
Important results from the project
The purpose was to develop tools to create an understanding of how people with social, communicative and mental disabilities experience different situations at work. The goal is to contribute to creating a more inclusive and efficient work environment. The project has developed empathy exercises in the form of three VR films (360 format), supplemented with free discussion material, a methodology for use in work-oriented rehabilitation, and training for employers and employees.
Expected long term effects
The tests of the empathy exercises have shown that they have great potential for use in work-oriented rehabilitation, as well as in the training of employees in the workplace, management and HR managers. Employers who have tested the films have judged that they have gained both an increased understanding of what difficulties people with invisible disabilities may have within a workplace, and an increased understanding of what measures can create a more inclusive workplace.
Approach and implementation
The project work has been based on a broad collaboration between different organizations with expertise in universal design and accessibility, work-oriented rehabilitation and employment services, as well as employers in the public sector. In addition to the project partners, we have also collaborated with people with cognitive disabilities. The work has been done iteratively with close collaboration between the parties throughout the project.