Enrich Classroom Accessibility
Our Learning and Collaborative Environments team is working to enhance accessibility and technology in classrooms across the university. We are piloting solutions that allow students to use personal devices to improve audio experiences in large lecture halls, ensuring that all students and faculty, including those with disabilities, have an equitable learning experience. By expanding collaboration with Student Life Disability Services, we are creating more inclusive and innovative learning spaces, aligning with Ohio State’s commitment to equitable education. Timeline: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
Accomplishments
July 2024 to December 2024
Technology Enhancements: Mobile Connect Technology
- Collaborated with Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) and Speech & Hearing to test and confirm solutions for students with hearing accommodations.
- Piloted Mobile Connect technology in Independence 100, the largest lecture hall, with positive results. Over winter break, installed Mobile Connect in six additional lecture halls, working with network teams to ensure functionality.
- Developed resources for official rollout, including signage, instructions, and faculty/student guides.
- Created control panel graphics for new “talk back” options.
- Designed a feedback process to gather input from faculty and students.
Furniture Updates
- Began transitioning accommodation furniture management to LCE in collaboration with SLDS and the Registrar.
- Cleared and refreshed 318 classrooms, replacing broken furniture and removing unused items.
- Introduced a new labeling system to clearly identify accommodation furniture in classrooms.
- Created a digital form for accommodation requests, streamlining processes and improving tracking.
- Established a centralized storage location to expedite furniture deployment.
- Identified gaps in the current process and are developing a proposal to ensure equitable accommodations university-wide.
