The Learning Spaces Technology team has installed multiple technologies to promote accessibility and facilitate teaching and learning in University Classrooms.

Accessible XLR Audio

Select classrooms are equipped with Accessible XLR audio to help facilitate accessible audio device input/output for teaching and learning. Tips for using the Accessible XLR audio input/output:

  • It is limited to XLR connections or XLR adapters only. 
  • We recommend testing the compatibility of accessible audio device prior to use.

Media Lectern

Select classrooms are equipped with this lectern type. Tips for using the Lectern Height Adjustment:

  • Adjust the height of the lectern by locating the height adjustment switch.
  • Press the height adjustment switch up to raise lectern or down to lower lectern.

Assistive Listening Systems

Learning Spaces Technology has designed and installed assistive listening systems in select University Classrooms. While there are several types of assistive listening systems, Learning Spaces Technology focused on designing and installing systems using the audio frequency induction loop (AFIL). This system is also known as a hearing loop system and consists of various audio inputs (microphones and computer workstations) integrated into a space’s A/V system, an audio loop driver component for transmission to a space-installed induction loop, and various types of audio loop receivers. 

As a system in classrooms, AFIL components combine to create an assistive listening technology transmitting accessible audio signals via the induction loop’s emitted magnetic field to compatible listening loop receivers, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. The audio frequency induction loop systems provide an unencrypted, open signal available to anyone with a compatible hearing aid, cochlear implant, or loop listener or receiver.

AFIL equipped locations provide a minimum of two listening loop receivers for every space and one additional listening loop receiver for every 25-person capacity above 50. For example, a space with a capacity of 50 would require a minimum of two available listening loop receivers, and a space with a capacity of 51 to 75 would require three available listening loop receivers. Additionally, AFIL equipped locations are identified with the international symbol for hearing loss signage.

For additional information on an assistive listening system installations on campus, please schedule a consultation with Learning Spaces Technology. 

Troubleshooting

Please report these issues to the ITS Help Desk immediately: 

  • The classroom doesn't display appropriate International Symbol for Hearing Loss signage.
  • The classroom has an inappropriate number of available Assistive Listening System listening receivers.
  • The hearing loop-capable has no Assistive Listening System audio available or audio is poor. 

Locations 

There are currently 18 University Classrooms with assistive listening systems; however, additional assistive listening systems spaces are on campus.

The Audio Frequency Induction Loop (AFIL) equipped University Classrooms are listed below. These systems are designed for use with Telecoil, compatible type hearing aid, cochlear implant, or loop listener or receiver. Please note that AFIL systems provide an unencrypted, open signal available to anyone with a Telecoil compatible hearing aid, cochlear implant, or loop listener or receiver.

 

Temporary Assistive Listening System

Learning Spaces Technology (LST) has temporary Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) available for use in University Classrooms (UCRs) that do not have ALS systems currently installed. These temporary systems may be integrated into a space’s existing audiovisual technology and use a radio frequency to broadcast across the room. Receiver devices will be provided, and come with an earpiece plugged in. Users may also bring their own wired headphones, or Telecoil compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants.

These temporary systems are meant to support one-time events or short-term usage up to a month’s time. Please submit requests two weeks before the ALS is needed, while shorter lead times may be coordinated on a case-by-case basis. To begin a short-term request, please create a ticket with details including expected timeframe and location for the Temporary Assistive Listening System. For semester-long accommodation requests, please reach out to Student Disability Services or Faculty and Staff Disability Services. Departments may also submit requests via the LST consultation request page to upgrade spaces to include ALS devices.

Have Questions?

We're here to help if you have any questions or classroom technology issues.