Physical Accessibility
Franklin College is committed to ensuring that all classrooms provide accessible, inclusive teaching environments. As part of this effort, the college is updating instructor furniture and technology to meet modern accessibility standards and universal design principles. A recent accessibility pilot is helping shape new guidelines that will inform future classroom upgrades, ensuring that instructional spaces support the needs of all faculty members.
Summary
Franklin College strives to address and provide physically-accessible teaching furniture and technology throughout our 300 classrooms and instructional spaces. Most of the classrooms currently use Computer Comforts Space Saver or Universal instructor podiums that present accessibility challenges for some instructors. To address this, the college launched a pilot-to-completion project in 2024 to establish and implement new physical accessibility standards for all classrooms, guided by ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the 2010 ADA standards. The project incorporates the seven universal design principles including equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and appropriate size and space, to ensure that new configurations support instructors with diverse abilities. Current podium models in smaller and larger classrooms will be evaluated against accessible alternatives such as the Computer Comforts Ergo-Float IT Lectern and Ergo-Float Table, which offer height-adjustable, ADA‑compliant functionality. The results of the pilot, along with final design standards, will guide the long‑term modernization of all instructor furniture across Franklin College learning spaces.
ADA Compliance Guidance
ADA Standards for Accessible Design:
ADA Standards for Accessible Design 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Guidance on 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:
Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
7 Principles to Consider When Becoming ADA Compliant and Wheelchair Accessible
When becoming ADA compliant, there are seven principles to keep in mind:
Equitable use
Flexibility in use
Simple and intuitive use
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size/Space for approach & use into the design of a space or facility
“Equitable use” means that the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities, while “flexibility in use” accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. “Simple and intuitive” use allows for an easy to understand design, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. “Perceptible information” means that the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. “Tolerance for error” means that the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional actions. “Low physical effort” refers to the design being used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatigue. “Size and space for approach and use” means that the appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
(Source: 
Best Practice for ADA Compliant Desks, Podiums, & Lecterns )
Current classroom teacher podium configurations
Smaller classrooms - Space Saver cabinet by Computer Comforts
Larger classrooms - Universal cabinet by Computer Comforts
Accessible classroom instructor furniture
Ergo-Float IT Lectern by Computer Comforts
Ergo-Float Table by Computer Comforts