All this is called "accessible programming"
and many web sites are now designed to facilitate access for people who use
audible screen reading programs. This same protocol can be used in the design
of buildings. I find that I am
increasingly aware of flaws in building designs that impede access for people
with vision challenges. I find elevators especially tricky. When I step inside
an elevator with no Braille markings on the buttons, no large print lighted
numbers and no audible floor announcements, I am lost!
Of course, it is usually less costly to
implement design features at initial stages of construction than to do so at a
later date. This is one reason that I was especially impressed with the
proactive stance taken by the National Institute for the Blind, Visually
Impaired and Deafblind in Iceland. Last week, as part of the celebration of
International White Cane Day, the Institute held an open seminar on accessible
design to which architects, interior designers, urban planners, politicians and
the general public were invited.
Universal design, which results in
universal accessibility, means opening the doors for everyone. We can all assist
by advocating for the removal of physical barriers to universal accessibility.
Next time you are in a public building, take note. Is there adequate lighting?
Are the elevators equipped with Braille or large or audible numbers? Are the
washrooms clearly signed? Is there a ramp to the entry/exit doors? If you feel
that your concerns aren’t properly addressed, I hope that you will take the
time to contact the appropriate authority to have the problem rectified.
The picture below shows a pedestrian
crosswalk sign. I often smile when I cross the road here. This is one of my
regular crossings but it took me a full year of phone calls to the town to have
the crosswalk marked!
I did not know that you had posted more comments, until today at the meeting, so I just finished reading all three. All were very interesting.Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteDorothy