[the present article is based on excerpts from the Manual for Architects and Builders on creating barier free Environment, witch is currently awaiting publication.—Ed.]
By Mr. Subhash A. Datrange Rehabilitation Consultant
how to integrate blind and low vision persons in the economic and social life, from witch they have so far been excluded,by both cultural and physical barriers? It is important that those who develop policies both for building design and urban planning should take account of the needs of vision-impaired and other disabled people.
Nature of Vision loss and its implications for building Design
There are several conditions leading to vision-impairment such as limited field of vision, loss of central vision, uncontrollable oscillation of eyeballs, night blindness and no light perception. Only five per cent of those who are vision-impaired have no sight. Built environment must be user-friendly for people with any of these difficulties. Familiarities with the area plus life experiences are critical to safe mobility. For this purpose, design-layout should avoid visual clutter. This helps forming clear picture of the building. Key features should be visually emphasized, e.g., columns in circulation area should be colored so that they stand out from the background. Logic of visibility and differentiation must also apply to the whole range of building features, e.g. handrails, staircases, doors, glass panel, light switches, etc.
Design Considerations
External Environment
Remember, what is good for the blind is good for every one. The concept has come to be known as Inclusive Design. New building sites should be close to amenities to ensure safe and easy access to nearby shops, public transport etc. the necessity to cross over busy roads or negotiate cluttered areas should be kept to an absolute minimum. Excessive camber [cross fall] may disorient blind persons e.g., the popular tourist attraction of Lucknow—Bhul-Bhulaiya. Edges of the approach road to the building-entrance should be clearly defined with kerb or distinct texture. Drainage grills should be offset from pedestrian route and set flush with the surrounding surface. The bars should be set at right angle to the direction of travel. long-cane users may be trapped otherwise. Vegetation can add to the orientation of visually impaired people, if designed and positioned appropriately. Over hanging branches of shrubs should be avoided. It must be appreciated that plants that have particular color, very distinctive shape or fragrance greatly aid in orientation.
Internal Environment
Unnecessary changes in floor levels should be avoided [up and down steps]. Sharp edges and corners often pose safety hazards. Swing doors also likewise be avoided. Glass doors and panels should be marked in color, les they are misunderstood as openings. Overhanging objects should as far as possible be accommodated in a nike [e.g., PCO instruments]. When decorative plants are placed on the floor of the corridors,
They usually obstruct mobility of blind people. Signboards should be at eye-level so that they can be read easily. Name/number plate should be in contrast colors and written in bold letters. Windows should have parliamentary hinges so that they are flush with the wall inside or they should open outside. doors must open inside to facilitate easy entry. Edges of the steps of staircases should be marked with distinctive colors or may be fixed with strips of metal. Persons with low vision have a problem of depth perception and hence they are unable to see descending steps. As a result they tend to trip or go off-balance. Office furniture should have sharp color contrast. equipment should have tactile indicators on the control panel [e.g., air conditioners, water coolers, etc.]. the open area next to the staircase on the ground floor must be closed to avoid blind persons from falling. doors, window frames and doorknobs should be finished in contrast shades [as against the color of the wall]. Entrances should be adequately illuminated. Lift-cabin should have auditory signal and control panel in large print. Colors of the lift-doors should be in contrast so that they can be located easily. Emergency call system in toilets, bathrooms and lifts must be available.
Lighting and illumination
Good lighting is important to all, particularly persons with vision impairment including senior citizens. Lighting should be even and glare-free. It is not hard to imagine that proper positioning of light sources and controls helps easy access.
Color and Contrast
Color and tone contrast are the most effective means of improving visibility. It just requires some imagination and hardly any funds.
Sound
Sound is potentially helpful and positive source of information especially in the case of persons with vision problems. It should therefore be introduced with advantage, e.g., auditory beeper on the entrance of building to guide visitors. Sound beacons should be used within the building to warn blind people of possible hazards. Strange as it may appear, common sounds in the building greatly help in movements. Therefore, these should not be suppressed, e.g., sound of a telephone PBX will guide visually handicapped visitors to a place where they can expect help, rumbling noise of the lift may guide them to accessing elevators, etc. Back ground noise in the environment level should be kept to a minimum of 65 DB.
Aroma
Practice existed in ancient culture to impregnate mortar or similar bonding materials with herbs.do you mnnow that some timbers such as cedar and redwood, give off distinct fragrance. Canteen, reception area, administrative blocks can all be identified either through some clues or aroma.
Building Maintenance
There should be permanent record of specifications on the internal finishing with explanatory notes on access features. The temptation to create a fresh look runs the risk of undoing a lot of good work done before, e.g., the re-carpeting of a staircase might involve forgetting the nosing. Regular inspections of public buildings are necessary to ensure that all essential access standards are continually maintained. concluding, access features must be incorporated in the planning stage of development or these could be introduced taking advantage of reconstruction/renovation work. They cost pittance compared to the advantage of convenience and safety of indoor movement and external travel. Vision impaired people expect thoughtful environment from caring Society.
[The Author was a Member of the Resource Group on Access to the Chief Commissioner of Disability and State Disability Commissioner [Maharashtra].
He has conducted a series of Workshops in major cities of India where more than 110 Architects, Chief Engineers, Government Officials and Rehab Professionals were trained. Former Executive Director of NAB [India], Mr. Datrange is a Consultant on Access Solutions to Hospitals, Heritage-sites, Banks, Airports, Hotels and Embassies for creating user-friendly built environment.]
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