Monday, May 16, 2011

how to make an accessible space, part one

Here are some pictures showing examples of accessibility and barriers to accessibility.

Let's start with the basics.

Automatic doors are great.

Doors with buttons are almost as great.


Non-automatic doors without buttons? Not so great.



Elevators are also very helpful.

Though a button people in wheelchairs could reach would be nice!

Signs telling you where the elevators are can be very handy.


Sometimes people need reminders!

Pro tip, though: most of us don't really enjoy being called "the disabled".

It's great when there are accessible alternatives to inaccessible routes- especially when the accessible way is right there, and you don't have to go around back!

Here's another example of a dually accessible entrance- the ramp is right beside the stairs. Convenient for everyone!

If the main entrance isn't accessible, it's nice to have a sign showing you where the accessible entrance is. Something more visible and closer to the main entrance would be even better.

Cutaway curbs make things a lot more convenient for those of us with wheels.
Although gravel in the spring makes things a bit tougher.

It's great when detours or temporary sidewalks are also accessible!

Though hard-to-notice gaps like this can be jarring.

Finally,
People in wheelchairs can have emergencies too! It would be nice to have a security phone where everyone could reach it.


That's all for this post. I'm planning on continuing, though, so if you have any suggestions for other examples of accessibility or barriers let me know!

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