We chose to do our accessibility audit on the lobby of Busch House, one of the many new residence halls built in 2016 on North Campus at The Ohio State University. We focused on the lobby and bathrooms on the first floor. A general description of this space would be that it is a large U-shaped room, with large windows throughout the space. The lobby is lit with fluorescent light bulbs, but also a large amount of natural sunlight. The space is a common area in the residence hall and is used to study, relax, pick up packages, and use the restroom. The two main entrances to the space are double-doors on either side of the lobby. The space contains two single bathrooms that are labeled as handicap restrooms.
What is accessibility? A space is accessible when is is able to accommodate everyone regardless of physical, mental, visual, and hearing impairments and easily allow them to participate in day-to-day activities.
Accessible Features
This picture shows the automatic door opener with the handicapped symbol on it that is on a post outside of the dorm entrance.
These are the are the tall entrance doors which have glass panels throughout the middle.
The picture on the left is showing the automatic door opener with the handicapped symbol on it that is on a post outside of the dorm. The picture on the right is showing the tall entrance doors which have glass panels throughout the middle. Photo credit: Jordan Whealdon
- Entrances: The walkway to the entrance doors do not have any ramps or stairs, but it is a flat entryway connected to the sidewalks outside of the building. The entrance doors have automatic door openers with the handicapped logo on them, which allows someone in a wheelchair, on crutches, or with a physical impairment to open the door. Also, the door handles are about three feet off the ground, which is an appropriate height for accessible door handles.
The picture on the left is showing a black sign on a tan wall that says “140M” and the sign also shows braille beneath the numbers. The picture on the right is showing the wood front desk that is divided into a higher and a lower section. Photo credit: Jordan Whealdon
- Lobby: Upon entering, the space is generally large and open without any barriers or hallways. The elevators are easily accessed from the main lobby area, without having to go down any narrow hallways. There are also parts of the lobby that are divided by furniture that are labeled with numbers and braille on the signs, which would help those that are visually impaired. Furthermore, the fire alarm system has a flashing mechanism, allowing someone with a hearing impairment to be able to respond. Also, the desk in the lobby provides two sections, one high and one low. The low section of the desk is at an appropriate height for someone in a wheelchair. The purpose of the front desk in a residence hall is to receive packages, give information, and to help out the residents in general.
The picture on the left shows the wood door, a sign that says restroom with a handicapped symbol below. The picture in the middle shows the space under the sink and the soap dispenser. The picture on the right is displaying the handrail and the toilet. Photo credit: Jordan Whealdon
- Bathrooms: There are two single, gender-neutral restrooms in the lobby that are labeled as handicapped accessible. The space under the sink was large enough for someone in a wheelchair to be able to wash their hands.
Inaccessible Features
- Bathrooms: We found this area to be the biggest barrier and inaccessible space in the area, even though it is labeled as handicapped accessible. The doors to these handicapped accessible restrooms are very heavy and not easily opened. In addition, they do not have an automatic handicapped button in order to open the doors. Other inaccessible features would be that the toilet was in the corner of the bathroom and only one handrail was provided. Concerning the sink, even though there was space under it for someone in a wheelchair, it was very wide and hard to reach the handles to turn the sink on, as well as reach the soap.
Recommendations:
- For those maintaining the space and future builders: The doors in this building in general should be made out of a lighter-weight material so that they are easier for everyone to open. In order to improve the bathrooms, an automatic handicap door opener should be included just like the main entrances. Also, the toilet should be moved out of the corner so that it is more accessible and additional handrails should be provided to increase safety. The sink and soap dispenser could be made automatic in order for it to be easier to wash hands. In addition to making the sink and soap dispenser automatic, the sink should be less wide and the soap dispenser should be moved closer to the front of the sink. Lastly, signage should be improved for the entire building, especially labeling the elevators and restrooms.
- For those accessing the space: We suggest that individuals should make a conscious plan on how to navigate around the lobby. For those using the restrooms, know in advance that there are no handicapped automatic door openers, that the toilet is in the corner, only one handrail is provided, and the sink and soap dispenser are not easily reachable. In general, the space besides the bathroom is fairly accessible and open for everyone.
2277 Accessibility Audit 
I was exceptionally excited to read this post because I also live in one of the newer dorms on campus and since taking this disabilities studies class, I have noticed so many aspects of the building that are not inclusive to all types of people. I feel like it’s really good that the lobby is open and accessible (aside from the bathrooms which is obviously a huge problem) but I would also be curious to see the other floors of the dorm. Especially with this being “home” to many students who may have a disability, a friend with a disability, or a family member with a disability, it is vital to make sure the space is accessible for all people because you never know who may be wanting to visit a resident here. I live on the 6th floor of Residence on Tenth and I think it is fairly inaccessible, which is shocking to me because of how many people are in and out of the space daily (not to mention, someone can become disabled at any time and this is where they live).
Overall, I like that the front desk here has a higher and lower portion because I feel as if it is dehumanizing if you cannot look at someone else as you are talking to them. I agree with you that aside from the bathrooms, this space (at least the lobby) seems to be accessible.
Morgan Furness
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I am relieved to see that some places on campus have been made accessible! I live on South campus and have never been in a North dorm, but with this accessibility audit, it definitely shows that accessibility was taken into consideration for the most part when constructing the Busch House lobby. The shorter countertops in the lobby not only show that the residence hall is more inviting, but gives access to every one and makes the environment a lot more inclusive. One major characteristic of the lobby that could improve upon as stated in the audit is the doors to the restroom. Although the restroom is labeled accessible, the doors to enter the restroom are very heavy and hard to open. This could be a struggle for someone who does not have the strength to open the door or someone who needs assistance when walking. I think that the university should install automatic restroom doors in at least one restroom in each building to make sure that all can access it easily and if they are in a rush.
Monica Ebbing
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Compared to many of the older dorms and those on South Campus, these newer dorms are definitely more accessible for everyone. The fact that that it has an open floor plan and the elevators are visibly noticeable when you walk in, makes it easier for people to make their way through the building. I also really like how you mentioned that the front desk had two different levels. I live in another new Dorm called Nosker and they also have this. It is nice to see that the dorms are working towards accommodating everyone. With that being said, I am surprised that builders haven’t started using more automatic doors for restrooms or at least making them lighter and easier to open. My group did our audit on Mack hall and had the same problem with the restroom doors in the accessible bathroom. I am also surprised that they put the toilet in the corner. If someone were to need assistance standing up, there is only one side with reachable handrails due to this placement.
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Maddie Bauer
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I have not been in any of the new dorms yet so I was interested to see how accessible they were considering they were just built. In the lobby I like how the counter both has a higher and lower top. This will helpful for both the people with the disability and those working at the front desk. Looking back at my dorm freshman year the counter top was really high even for me, so I am glad they took this into consideration for the new dorms. When it comes to the bathroom I have mixed emotions. I am disappointed that they bathrooms are not very handicap accessible and things such as simple as an automatic door are not present. I think this is something most doors, especially in bathrooms should have. It did really excite me when I read that the bathrooms were gender neutral.I think this is such an important thing that is often overlooked. This simple labeling can make it an easier and more relaxing experience for everyone, rather then someone worrying about what restroom they should use. I like how you included tips for those maintaining the space and accessing the space. I think these are very important things they can keep in mind. Wonderful job!
-Taylor McCulley
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It’s great to read about a campus location that is actually pretty accessible! I especially enjoyed reading that all entrances are flat. That means that someone using a mobility device can enter the building the same way their peers do; no one has to be singled out or forced to go out of their way just to get in to their home. The open concept makes it easy for people to navigate the lobby and the ample amount of signage is helpful for everyone, whether they read written English or use Braille. Great work guys!
Cassie Perez
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