Capstone project results in deaf-accessible kiosks

National Technical Institute for the Deaf information and computing studies students solved a problem that has made an immediate impact at RIT Dining locations across campus.

The initiative, begun nearly two years ago, has resulted in state-of-the-art, deaf-friendly point-of-sale systems that use interactive monitors for easy ordering and delivery of food and beverages. Previously, employees, who were often masked, used their voices to call out orders that were ready for pick up, without significant accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.

Prototype components for this project were developed through a mini grant offered by NTID. Students worked with Professor James Mallory, who helped them see how this idea could be transformed into a real-world application, as well as RIT food service managers, who were instrumental in the process.

Using their knowledge from classroom instruction, the students figured out how the experimental process would flow, how to build their equipment and component list, and how to apply for the grant to acquire necessary funding, explained Mallory. Monitors and keypads connected to small controllers and scanners, along with technical know-how, helped them develop a prototype system.

“By tackling real-world challenges, students gained hands-on experience in problem solving, prototyping, and technical development—skills essential in the IT workforce,” said Mallory. “They learned to secure funding, adapt to setbacks, and collaborate with stakeholders, mirroring the innovation and troubleshooting required in IT-focused careers. This project with RIT Dining strengthened their technical expertise and helped prepare them to create meaningful solutions in their future technical roles.”

Luke Chrzan, a second-year motion picture science student from Middletown, N.J., is a regular customer at The College Grind.

“It’s a lot easier for me to enter my order on the kiosk, which prints it out on paper, rather than trying to communicate by mouth or using sign language,” Chrzan said. “It’s not only efficient for us as students trying to hustle to classes, but for the employees who don’t have to slow down trying to figure out a customized order.”

Melissa Xie, a second-year advertising and public relations major from Queens, N.Y., has worked at The College Grind for two semesters.

“I believe these automated kiosks have been extremely beneficial for me as a student worker,” she said. “Having these kiosks allows for customers to order at their own pace as well as helps them visualize the drinks and foods they are ordering with the images the kiosk provides.”

Five kiosks have been installed at three dining locations on campus.