Designing Indoor and Outdoor Environments to Enhance Orientation and Mobility for People Who Are Visually Impaired

Independent and safe travel either in indoor or outdoor environments is often compromised for people who are visually impaired (VI) due to the presence of environmental obstacles, hazards or because of the absence of relevant information to ensure wayfinding. Many architectural barriers are encountered even in newly built buildings. Despite the fact that accessibility criteria are well documented for this population, designers are generally not aware of the particular needs of individuals with a visual impairment. A partnership project was therefore established between orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists from Institut Nazareth and Louis-Braille and universal design consultants from Société Logique. The objectives of the project were to collect precise data relating to accessibility needs of persons with a visual impairment, present the relevant information in a user-friendly form, establish a consensus with all the parties in the province of Quebec, and finally promote accessibility. In a first phase, eight illustrated specification sheets related to accessibility criteria in buildings were compiled following a thorough review of literature. The topics covered were: 1) outdoor access to building; 2) entrance and hall; 3) horizontal circulation; 4) stairs; 5) elevators; 6) signage; 7) lighting; 8) color/ contrast. The sheet structure presents first the basic concepts that are cue guidelines prior to conception. Accessibility criteria are then listed in subtopics and scored as being either minimal (essential to meet safety travel) or recommended (improve ease of travel). A distinct application is clearly identified for new constructions and for retrofit. The content of each sheet was validated by a large interest group composed of a VI consumers representative and orientation and mobility specialists from regional rehabilitation centers of the province of Quebec. The tool was published and widely distributed to partners, designers, building owners and is WEB accessible. In a second phase, the study group is now working on accessibility criteria related to outdoor areas. Specification sheets including topics such as public sidewalks, open spaces (terraces, public places, etc.), and accessible traffic signals (APS) were drafted and are in the process of validation. A sheet relating to street corners is under construction. The work allowed coming to a consensus between all parties on accessibility criteria giving a better chance to influence legislation. Accessibility needs for buildings are more understood and known by designers and owners. The tool allows providing the relevant information in a quick way.

• Corporate Authors:

  Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

  302, Tower A, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
  Hong Kong,   China 
• Authors:
  • Ratelle, Agathe
  • Lemay, Line
  • Kreis, Susanne
  • Zabihaylo, Carole
  • Lanctot, Sophie
• Conference:
  • TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons
  • Location: Hong Kong , China
  • Date: 2010-6-1 to 2010-6-4
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, June 1-4, 2010

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accessibility; Needs assessment; Sidewalks; Specifications; Structural design; Visually impaired persons; Wayfinding
• Geographic Terms: Quebec (Province)
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01360806
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 25 2012 11:57AM