Work

PA2085. Safety issues on school’s environment in Greece and its effect on children with visual impairment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background The disabled child spends most of its daily time in School’s learning environment, which affects not only its ability on learning [2], but also its health in terms of physical and mental safety [1]. The research investigates the relation between the School’s Built Environment and Furniture, in terms of Safety, and how these factors affect the disabled child with Visual Impairment. Methods A variety of methods were adopted, including literature review, questionnaire surveys, interviews, case studies, and non-participant observation in Special Schools. Results The results of the research confirm a strong relationship between safety and human behavior. Survey in all types of Schools (462 Special Schools, 2961 integration classes in General Schools) found that 89% of children affected, in terms of hazards at the external environment (schoolyards), the interior environment of classrooms (furniture [3], equipment), corridors, staircases, toilets, openings (windows, doors). The comparison between Schools that adopted safety measures with those that didn’t indicated a difference in children’s behavior (levels of stress, fear, lack of concentration, distraction, social interaction). Conclusions Action required towards designing educational environments, in terms of adopting safety issues into consideration. A new perspective must be introduced in Design Practice, establishing a strict legislation framework from the Government and the involvement in the process of a multi-disciplinary team of experts, like Health professionals, Architects & Designers specialized in Safety in work environments. In this way, a School building can act as a source of knowledge for the visually impaired child, without the fear of injuries, contributing to its overall progress [4]. References [1] Grimes P.(2004), Multiple factors affecting health in classroom environment, J. of Human Env.,v7,1-9 [2] Papanastasiou C.(2008), Factors affecting schools in terms of achievement, J. of Ed. Research,v.14,p539 [3] Parcells C., Stommel M., Hubbard R., (1999), Mismatch of classroom furniture and student body dimensions: Empirical findings and health implications, Journal of Adolescents Health, vol.24,p265 73 [4] Uline C. (2008), The walls speak: The interplay of quality facilities, school climate, and student achievement, Journal of Ed. Adm., v. 46(1),p.55-73 Topic Child’s Safety, Ergonomic Design, Disability.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf165.130

Authors: S Tyrovola, M Karampouka

Institutions: University of West Attica, Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Educational Environments and Student Outcomes

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181