Universal Design and Accessibility as an Interdisciplinary Approach to the Humanistic Training of Engineers

Abstract

The 21st century presents a context where the humanistic training of professionals is essential to address the needs of a diverse and constantly changing society. This work proposes a training approach centered on universal design and accessibility, which aims to strengthen this perspective in the education of engineers. The research conducted has a mixed approach, is descriptive, and is structured in several stages: theoretical, diagnostic, propositional, and evaluative. Various methods are used, such as literature review, documentary analysis, content analysis, structural systemic modeling, focus group techniques, and expert criteria. The sample groups respond to the specific needs of the study in the context of two Ecuadorian universities. The main contribution of this research is the creation of a workshop course that promotes the humanistic training of engineers through interdisciplinary collaboration. This course focuses on equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary to integrate universal design and accessibility into their engineering projects, particularly benefiting students in fields such as Industrial Engineering, Intelligent Systems, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering, and being highly recommended for the Architecture program, among others. The course modeling is developed considering various practical situations, becoming a valuable curricular option that promotes inclusion and social responsibility in professional practice. In this way, the goal is to train engineers who are more aware and capable of contributing to a more equitable society.