University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) is taking a major step toward accessibility with a grant-funded project designed to help visually impaired students navigate campus independently. Inspired by GPS-based apps like Google Maps, this initiative will create an indoor navigation system that provides step-by-step audio instructions, allowing students to move through buildings with ease.
Imagine navigating a new school without being able to see. Think of the fine details—how would you read room numbers? How would you know where you are on campus? How would you orient yourself? Now, imagine that on the scale of a college campus. For visually impaired students, these challenges can make higher education feel overwhelming. But UWO is working to change that.
Bringing the Idea to Life
Led by Associate Professor Warren Vaz from the engineering and engineering technology department, the project received a $50,000 WiSys Ignite grant to bring the idea to reality. The work began in July 2023 and is expected to be completed by August 2024. The team has installed QR code scanners throughout university buildings, allowing smartphones to detect a user’s exact location and provide directions using screen-reader-friendly technology.
Originally, the project included a summer program to teach visually impaired students independent travel skills. When that plan didn’t materialize, the focus shifted to making the entire UWO campus as accessible as possible. The ultimate goal is to improve graduation rates and help visually impaired students succeed in both education and employment.
Why Accessibility Matters
Statistics show that visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in education and employment. In the U.S., only 62.5% of visually impaired people with a college degree are employed, compared to just 37% of those with only a high school diploma. Lack of accessibility often limits opportunities. UWO hopes to change this by creating an inclusive campus where visually impaired students can navigate independently and confidently.
A Step Toward the Future
Sarah Arch, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, highlights the importance of this initiative:
“The committee intends to make buildings, curriculum, and employment as accessible as possible. Statistics indicate that when a space is made accessible, visually impaired individuals are more likely to leave their homes, travel to that place, and use its services. This means more students will earn degrees that lead to meaningful careers.”
Through this effort, UWO is setting a precedent for other schools to follow, proving that accessibility benefits everyone. By making education more inclusive, they are opening doors for a brighter future.
