Otimizando A Aloca\c{c}\~ao De Salas De Aula Com Foco Na Acessibilidade Para Pessoas Com Defici\^encia

TL;DR

This paper presents an ILP-based optimization model for classroom allocation that prioritizes accessibility for students with disabilities, aiming to improve efficiency and inclusivity in higher education settings.

Contribution

It introduces a novel ILP model that balances spatial efficiency and accessibility, specifically tailored for accommodating persons with disabilities in classroom assignments.

Findings

Adjusting the weighting parameter improves accessibility and reduces classroom usage.

The model outperforms manual allocation practices in efficiency and inclusivity.

Optimization can enhance operational and inclusive goals simultaneously.

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenge of classroom allocation in higher education institutions, with an explicit emphasis on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Employing a case study of a university's computer science department, the paper proposes an Integer Linear Programming (ILP)-based optimization model, which is solved using the Gurobi solver. The objective is to minimize the number of classrooms used by prioritizing the assignment of PwD students to ground-floor classrooms to reduce accessibility barriers. The model is calibrated with a weighting parameter, alpha, that allows for a balance between spatial efficiency and promoting accessibility. Experimental results indicate that adjusting alpha can achieve a balance point that significantly improves current manual allocation practices, reducing the number of classrooms required and accessibility penalties. The findings suggest that optimization methods can improve operational efficiency in academic institutions while promoting a more inclusive environment for all students. Future work may expand the application of the model to other departments and contexts and integrate additional criteria to develop a more holistic approach.