ETSU launched a new virtual accessibility map that provides current and detailed information surrounding accessible travel and parking accommodations around campus.
“We were interested in being able to communicate where is the accessible parking,” said Little. “And that’s a really important one, because it tends to be a little bit fluid. If they have a construction project, then they might move those spaces from here to over here. This map allows for the that kind of current information.”
The accessibility map was a joint project between Mary Little, director and ADA of disability services, and graduate students in Andrew Joyner’s GIS Projects class: Dalton Van Stratten, Salem Smith and Chelsie Perkins.
“The goal of that class is for the students to independently find a stakeholder that has a need and then develop a project with that stakeholder,” said Joyner.
The group started with campus infrastructure data collected from a FEMA grant for a hazard mitigation plan.
“Each one of us took on one or two layers, and we went independently and collected the data,” said Smith. “Once we had collected the data and updated all that, I did most of the map. Dalton did a lot of the writing. Chelsea, kind of split between.”
The layers of the map refer to various topics addressed, which include elevators, curb cuts, automated entrances and more.
Each icon should have a picture of the exact location and any pertinent information such as van accessibility for students and patrons to utilize.
The project is still growing and evolving.
“We really need someone out there on the ground seeing what new curb cut was added or what new sidewalk was added or whatever has changed. It’s very dynamic. I’ll continue to try to play that role and get other students involved in the project moving forward, really just connecting students with Mary and providing some advice,” said Joyner.
The map can viewed by visiting https://www.etsu.edu/students/ds/navigating-campus.php.
