Mobility Obstacles
Written By: Yash Desai, Helena Meng, and Vaidehi Patel
Problem Statement
Tutorial videos and translation apps will address language barriers and transportation obstacles by providing supplementary resources for 18 varied immigrant populations via YouTube, Google Translate, Google Maps, and infographics.
Tutorial Videos
One of the noted obstacles we were able to see is a lack of confidence in mobility. Insecurity can be one of the largest obstacles to mobility as it prevents people from learning or experiencing transportation methods. To combat this, we believe having readily available resources that refugees can use to learn about transportation will help them prepare for everyday scenarios. Our solution is to create tutorial videos on YouTube and resource websites to promote awareness of navigation and translation apps.
Our first course of action is producing educational videos. We wanted to keep in mind the end receivers of lessons, so we wanted to aim for videos that are short and broken into different sections. We also want the videos to require no words and rely mostly on visuals. The videos will be posted on YouTube, and be broken into different categories. The first category will provide help for public transportation users. The videos will be broken into a series of four, two-minute videos. The first video will show someone setting a destination on a navigation app, like Google Maps, and using the metro directory on the app. The next video will show how a person will get to a stop and check on wait times through the app. The third app can talk about bus etiquette from paying to pulling the cable to notify of a stop. Finally, the fourth video can consist of resources that someone can view for additional help.
The next series of videos will show how someone may obtain a driver's license. This series will show someone how they can utilize resources online to enroll in a driving course or pass a driving exam. Since this is a longer topic, a video that highlights a language translation app, like Google Translate, can help people who speak different languages receive the help they need. The video will show how someone can scan texts to translate the resource into a different language.
Finally, the last video series can talk about ride-sharing apps. The series can be broken into three videos, starting with a background of popular ridesharing apps. The next video discusses the etiquette of being in someone's car. The last video will consist of how to find resources for becoming a driver with the hopes of improving employment.
To promote translation apps apart from educational videos, we believe CRIS might be able to improve awareness through their welcome material. Briefly mentioning that languages can be translated through pictures of language, can ensure people are aware of the different tools available for them.
By introducing quick learning resources and improving awareness of readily available tech products, people may become more comfortable with mobility in new environments.
Infographics
A picture is worth a thousand words. The same works for refugees seeking COTA bus information. Currently, most of the COTA bus stations include bus numbers, which have limited information for newcomers to the United States. Since there are 18 varied immigrant populations, it is not possible for us to translate all languages for refugees to understand. Therefore, we can rely on simple infographics that are easy for all of us to understand.
CRIS could work with COTA and graphic designers, such as the American Sign Language(ASL) club in Ohio State, to create limited text infographics based on refugees’ obstacles — finding the bus stations and understanding the fare structures.
In terms of the content of infographics, we can use arrows, QR codes, and numbers to address refugees’ obstacles. Arrows can show you where you currently are, and where the bus will be going. Sometimes it is also difficult to find bus stops even with Google Maps. COTA can also put signs on the ground near the bus stops, to help guide commuters to the correct bus stops.
COTA can also help with the refugees by placing interactive QR codes on the infographics. COTA already provided a trip planner and nearby bus stops.
https://www.cota.com/riding-cota/how-to-ride/
However, a new settler might not have ready access to the website even though they are trained by CRIS. With the QR code set up in the bus station, refugees can access the link and plan their routes.
Some refugees do not have an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) card or spare change to ride the COTA bus. Therefore, it is helpful to point out the expense before the refugees hop on the bus and find out that they cannot ride it.
Finally, CRIS can gather feedback from refugees who traveled to new infographics placed high-traffic bus stations. The refugees can provide suggestions along the way to optimize the infographics.
Infographics and online resources should work hand in hand with each other to alleviate the mobility obstacles of refugees.
Action Plan
The tutorial videos would be filmed wordlessly, to make it easier to cater to various refugee populations, surpassing the language barrier. To develop them, we have outlined the series of steps to reach implementation:
1. Work with CRIS volunteers to compile relevant information to include in each of the videos pertaining to the topic in focus.
2. Develop an outline for each of the videos, keeping it short and simple to avoid confusion with the delivery of instructions.
3. Connect with CRIS volunteers to film the videos, potentially contacting Students for Refugees (an organization on Ohio State’s campus) to volunteer their time and provide aid in filming. Potentially utilizing their help for the translation of certain key terms.
4. Create a YouTube page dedicated to instructional videos and post each video with appropriate titles.
5. Utilize outreach of the videos through the CRIS platform and spread the availability of the videos.
6. Gain feedback on the videos through CRIS report of refugee response to the videos.
Depending on the content included in each video, subtitles or closed captioning may be utilized to translate certain words or phrases to help refugees connect back to their own language. The timeline for these videos will range up to three weeks to allow time for editing and script changes. Once the videos are uploaded, they will be publicly available and ensure easy access to navigation resources.
