3D Simulation of an Accessible Biomedical Lab

Accessibility of biomedical and chemistry laboratories is essential to enable students and scientists with physical disabilities to actively participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational, research and vocational activities. The Institute for Accessible Science (IAS) decided to address this need through accessibility driven renovation of a laboratory space at Purdue University known now as the Accessible Biomedical Immersion Laboratory (ABIL). In order to broaden the reach of this innovation, a 3-D computer simulation modeled after the physical space was conceived. This simulation was designed not only to provide persons with physical disabilities a training facility for practicing lab techniques but also to provide a test bed for studying laboratory accessibility and ergonomics. The 3-D ABIL simulation is freely available online through IAShub.org and provides a unique opportunity for individuals from disparate locations to visit and experience the space virtually. Users can explore ABIL’s lab work triangle and safety features from the first-person perspectives of standing, sitting in a wheelchair, or having limited vision. Future use of this simulation will be centered on enabling users to perform actual lab tasks from the aforementioned perspectives.