In Famulari’s classes they engage themselves in the challenges that people who use wheelchairs encounter when a public space is not inclusive.

Horticulture and landscape architecture are taught at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP). 

The students learned how to navigate their wheelchairs on different terrain including hills, grassy spaces and uneven surfaces. 

“Creating accessible and accommodating spaces requires thoughtful consideration of both interior and exterior design elements. For instance, the exterior of a building should feature clear, well-defined pathways that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs,” says fourth-year architecture student Jumana Elayan on her ideas to create an effective change.

Understanding how to be inclusive and equitable, needs to be a part of the process at the beginning, not an afterthought.

Stevie Famulari

“It's not about tearing apart an already designed space,” says Famulari, a visiting professor at DAAP who has been in this role for the past year.  However, Famulari has been professor for 15 years teaching all around the country including New York, North Dakota and New Mexico. 

Her list of accomplishments shine in career achievements: Artworks and environmentally focused designs have been featured on The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. 

Famulari says she learned about wheelchair teaching exercises during her years in graduate school. Her professor wanted the students to learn about making accessible changes to their campus. Famulari was required to navigate campus in a wheelchair during wintertime, making it more difficult, so she could better understand how to design accessible spaces. 

Famulari brings what she learned to a new generation of students. 

Feature photo at top by An Le, student intern at DAAP.