Several states now require that lecterns in all new educational buildings be ADA compliant. In response, there has been a growing emphasis on providing height-adjustable lecterns in today's classrooms and labs.
Education is a student-focused enterprise. So it's understandable that the needs of students – be they kindergartners or Ph.D. candidates — are the primary consideration when it comes to designing and furnishing classrooms and laboratories.
Since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and its subsequent updating in 2010, a particular focus has been placed on overcoming the challenges that students with disabilities face in the educational environment.
But teachers, if they are to be successful in their key role in the learning process, also deserve consideration in regard to the environment in which they work. This is especially true for teachers with disabilities.
In response to this important educational need, Spectrum Industries has put an emphasis on creating lecterns to meet ADA requirements. So what are important aspects to take into consideration when looking at an ADA lectern? Let's explore.
Mobility Needed For Classroom Flexibility
With a growing emphasis on collaborative learning, often there is no true "front of the room" in today's classroom. It is important to find a lectern that is equipped with high-quality, durable casters to give it the mobility necessary to adjust to shifting classroom configuration needs.
Another benefit of the mobility in lecterns is that they can easily be moved away from walls so that wheelchairs can maneuver around and behind them.
Instructors who use wheelchairs often find they have better sight lines and can more easily make eye contact with their students when the front of the lectern can be set at an angle rather than facing directly towards the students.
Height Adjustments to Fit All Users
It's important that school administrators recognize that ADA requirements need to be applied to faculty members and staff. Several states now require that lecterns in all new educational buildings be ADA compliant. In response, there has been a growing emphasis on providing height-adjustable lecterns in today's classrooms and labs.
Being able to adjust a lectern's height is an obvious advantage for instructors who use wheelchairs. But an overlooked benefit for all instructors is that height-adjustable lecterns can help to relieve or prevent such common ailments as back pain and carpel tunnel syndrome.
About Spectrum Industries
Based in Chippewa Falls, WI, Spectrum Industries is a leading manufacturer of top-quality furniture that can be found in classrooms — from kindergartens to colleges — across the United States. To better serve your clients who are striving to meet the demands of the modern ADA-compliant classroom, look no further than Spectrum Industries.
Spectrum classroom furniture is flexible, durable and, perhaps most importantly, affordable. And all Spectrum products are assembled in the USA.
Ben Jones, Spectrum Industries National Sales Manager