Term
| What is meant by universal design? |
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Definition
| Designing all products, buildings, and exterior spaces to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible. |
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Term
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Definition
| Moving purposefully through the environment towards a destination. Synonymous with the ‘orientation’ aspect of O&M. |
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Term
| What are the 3 key design concepts for VI learners? |
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Definition
Logical layout- users can anticipate locations of the facilities, such as stairs next to the elevator.
Visibility- key features such as handrails, stair nosings, and doors have high visual contrast with their environments.
Lighting- Persons with low vision need around 50-100% more light than normal vision. Persons that are 60 need twice as much light as 40. |
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Term
| What are the 3 ingredients to sign legibility? |
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Definition
Well lit.
Well placed- consistent location.
Well designed- Include braille, clear font, contrasting colors, tactile or raised characters for door ID. |
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Term
| What is the recommended placement of an APS? |
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Definition
| 10 feet or less from the curb line. As close as possible to the inside shoreline of that crossing. Two APS on the same corner need to be at least 10 feet away from each other. |
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Term
| What are the benefits of an APS to a VI learner? |
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Definition
Push button locator tone lets traveler know about the APS.
Audible beaconing is available upon request, and often requires user to hold the walk button down for 1 second.
Allows for more time to cross.
Helps traveler to read traffic at difficult intersections.
Vibrotactile arrow helps dual sensory impaired person or VI’s at intersections that are noisy, determine time to cross. These are required by law on newly installed APS. |
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Term
| Discuss use of tactile strips |
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Definition
| ¼ raised strips that follow the crosswalk. Use constant contact to trail. Most helpful if a strip is put on the sides of crosswalk, allowing the traveler to stay between. |
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Term
| Describe transit station modifications. |
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Definition
Higher resolution CMS (changeable message signs) screens are starting to be used.
Automated announcements when bus or train opens doors
RIAS systems
Traveler holds up placard with number of bus they want.
If doors have a button, trail cars towards front of train to find them (increases visability). Buttons can emit sounds for easier location.
RIAS (Remote infrared audible signage)- navigation sensor
Tactile signs
Use of distinctively shaped poles
Special pavers |
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Term
| Describe the technology involved in purchasing a ticket in a modern transit system and challenges for a VI person |
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Definition
- ADA requires fare machines to be brailed and speech enabled and to provide operating instructions.
- Orienting fare cards with cut edges can be helpful. Many tokens have holes in the center to easily distinguish from coins.
- Smart Cards indicate what modifications the user needs at the fare card machines. Contactless cards don't need to be taken out of a wallet; can expedite the movement of all passengers and activate audible signals for VI travelers. |
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Term
| How can you achieve an environmental modification that addresses barriers to accessibility? |
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Definition
- Most locations have an MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) or RPO (Rural Planning Organization) that is required to develop a TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan). These plans include road widening projects, installation of sidewalks, signal systems, trails, and other transportation features; they are usually developed 3-5 yrs in advance. TIPS are submitted to the Federal Highway Administration in order to qualify for federal funding. Development of a TIP involves public hearings for input.
- Get involved with local chapters of ACB and NFB.
- To request a specific modification, work closely with client as they have the right to file a complaint of discrimination under civil right laws.
May require calling around to state government offices for traffic engineering and the state department of
transportation to determine who is in charge of a specific intersection/location.
The actual request for modification will be strongest coming from the client. A supporting letter can be
sent by O&M, followed up by a phone call offering to look at the facility with the official.
If no response from letter/call, may need to involve an agency-designated ADA official and the elected
official (city counsel member, county supervisor, senator, etc. |
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Term
| Describe redesign modifications for protruding objects |
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Definition
Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches and not more than 80 inches above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches maximum horizontally into the circulation path. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons shall overhang circulation paths 12 inches (305 mm) maximum.
An existing structure, such as the underside of a staircase, requires a guardrail, benches, or other type of barrier by ADA law.
In outdoor areas, the protrusion laws only apply to ‘pedestrian circulation areas’, which are typically paved (excludes grassy areas, etc). |
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Term
| Describe ideal modifications for stairs |
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Definition
Ideal stairs:-
Treads and risers are of moderate height and width
- Dimensions are the same for entire width of each stair, and for the entire staircase.
- Stair nosings protrude slightly beyond the base of the riser below.
- Risers are closed
- Handrails are continuous on both sides
- Ends of handrails protrude horizontally about 1 foot beyond the top and bottom of stair case.
- Handrails are rounded and return into the wall.
- Has adequate lighting
- No patterned carpeting (can mask stair edges)
- contrast color on nosings
-2 inch contrasting strip on the front of each tread and riser.
- Stringers that visually contrast with stairs (stringers are the sloping board on each side of stairs) |
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Term
| Describe modifications for platforms at rail stations |
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Definition
unprotected drop off; train may have gaps between cars. To reduce risk: guardrails, safety yellow warning stripes, between car barriers, detectable warning surfaces, lights along platform edge, barrier walls with doors that open only when train arrives.
ADAAG requires that a detectable warning edge be placed 24 inches deep at platform edge for new or reconstructed stations. |
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Term
| Describe modifications for blended curbs |
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Definition
| Truncated domes (detectible warning systems) are required at base of curb. Must be at least 24 inches deep and extend the length o the curb. |
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Term
| Difference between a fully actuated light and a semi-actuated light |
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Definition
| Fully actuated has 4 sensors to change lighting to maximize traffic flow. Semiactuated only has sensors on the minor cross street. When it is activated, the green light on the main street is changed. |
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Term
| How does universal design assist learners? |
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Definition
| being equitable, flexible, simple, perceptible, low physical effort, size, and shape for any user. |
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