Barriers concentrate around anything that relies on unsupported spoken communication, particularly where multiple people are speaking or where the speaker's face is not visible. 

Setting 

What it looks like 

Lectures 

Speaking while facing the board, screen, or projector rather than the class. 

Video / audio content 

Videos without captions; unclear or poor-quality audio. 

Group work / seminars 

Multiple speakers overlapping, making it hard to follow who is speaking and when. 

Communication with staff 

Important information given only verbally, with no written back-up. 

Large lecture theatres 

Poor acoustics and background noise, which degrade even well-supported hearing. 

Assessment 

Verbal-only exam instructions or listening-based assessment components. 

Last modified: Friday, 31 July 2026, 1:21 AM