Requirements
Environmental Barriers – Things You Can Change
For each of these and more, let's look at some basic environmental adaptations or changes you can make to improve the learning environment.
Signs that can be enlarged or colors changed for better contrast
Create new signage – this will benefit users with low vision, aging users, and users who are just plain tired coming to a college library late at night to get work done
Lack of Braille signage
Install Braille signage on every entrance and doorway
Doors that are too narrow for wheelchairs
This will require significant modifications and is a good example why retrofitting is so much more expensive than planning it into your design in the first place
Difficult access to doors or elevators
This will require significant modifications and is a good example why retrofitting is so much more expensive than planning it into your design in the first place
Tables that are too low or too high
Adjust the tables or purchase tables that can be adjusted – this will benefit a wide range of users and is even an ergonomic consideration for jobs where the workers sit all day or for long periods of time. One workplace purchases tables where the tops raise and lower so workers can stand and sit while they are on long phone calls.
Chairs that are too low or too high (learners should be able to comfortably rest their feet on the ground)
If a learner has short legs and/or the chair cannot be adjusted, place a foot stool at their feet. That feeling of being “grounded” provides physical comfort that allows a learner to focus.
Fans / loud noises
These sounds should be muffled if not reduced altogether. They can be distracting for some, and cause headaches for others. Test equipment first before installing it for any unusual noise levels so you can choose quiet equipment. If you have existing equipment that makes too much noise, replace it, move learners to a different location with less background noise, or muffle the noise.
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