eyeway.org : beyond the I : issue 8 : focus : designed for accessibility

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an online magazine from eyeway.org

issue 8 january-february 2006
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Designed for accessibility

Just a little attention to de sign can make a world of difference. Here are some design features that can make buildings accessible to visually impaired persons.

Staircases

Provide contrasting colours at the nosing of staircases
The riser and tread should be of uniform dimensions.
Provide handrails along the staircase without breaks.
Provide warning tiles at each end of every flight.

Elevators

Have an audio announcement at each floor level.
Have Braille markings on switches inside the lift.

Walkways

Ensure that the area from ground to a height of 6 feet is clear of obstacles.
Keep the edges of walkways in a straight line and clear of obstacles.
A depression in the floor for foot mats ensures maintaining the floor level. The foot mats can also work as orientation tools for the entrances to the doors.
Ensure that windows do not open into the corridor but into the rooms.

Signage

Letters should be in contrasting colours and in large simple fonts.
Signs should be at eye level.

Fitments

Incorporate a band of colour on glass doors or glass partitions around 160 centimetres above the floor.
Doors should open from busy area to the less busy one and should be in contrasting colours.
Walls or floor should not have a mirroring factor.
Switches should be uniform and colours should be used to highlight their location.

Lighting

Sunlight should be augmented with artificial lighting to avoid heavy contrast.
Lighting should not cause dazzling.
Ensure that there are no dark areas in the building, especially in corridors, etc.

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