THE e-Learning Resource Center of the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB), a special institution for visually challenged junior and senior high schoolers, has been renovated into an educational multisensory experience.
The 63-square-meter expanse provides audiovisual aids and online materials to PNSB students, and is equipped with assistive features such as a Braille system for digital learning. The core feature is an interactive wall to encourage sensory learning which students can touch, rearrange and play with to stimulate their auditory and kinesthetic senses.
The center is complete with an array of bookshelves, a computer area, a reading nook, and an announcement board. It likewise houses a teacher’s desk, as well as workstations with supplies and facilities.
The flooring was specifically designed to encourage a continuous accessible path of travel, and alerts students to take caution when approaching a change in zone. High contrasting hues were applied to allow better identification of various areas and furniture. For easy navigation, the room has an open space with no physical partitions.
The renovation was made possible by 24 Interior Design students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, who were motivated with the mission to promote inclusive education and empathetic design to foster growth and development among people with specific needs.
“Interior design should enable and empower people regardless of their unique deviations by guiding them through their daily challenges,” the team shared.
“We envision a pathway for blind and visually impaired students to learn and grow. By promoting inclusive learning and designing without barriers, we hope to make an impact that will remove the stigma of interior design as an exclusive status symbol, or solely as a visual decorative aesthetic.”
The team, guided by Dr. Randy Pabona and IDr. Maria Celiza Sim, was comprised of Pamela Aldaba, Jallf Alora, Andro Bonoan, Nina Cabral, Dan Camus, Moira Campoy, Andrea De Castro, Janus De Guzman, Katrina Del Rosario, Martin Dena, Sophia De Jesus, Nigel Delos Santos, Tommy Escay, Jennifer Gongora, Raven Landicho, Nicole Lopez, Krishna Loquinte, Se Vin Moon, Jazel Ong, Arrah Pamintuan, Nicole Quiat, Paola Sarmiento, Margaux Sia and Katrina Viloria. Keys to the freshly revamped e-Learning Resource Center were then turned over to PNSB Principal Corazon Salvador.