As part of our advocacy, #OneAccessibility we will share information about differently able and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
In March 2019, I was in Malaysia, where I visited some fantastic cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, not only because of their beautiful tourist spots and beaches, but I can say, these cities surprised me by the facilities provided by Government for the people with different abilities.
Let me admit it, it was the very first time when I experienced Voice Indication on Traffic Signals for the people who are differently-abled and want to cross the roads.
I was amazed to see a Red Cord in Washrooms, which was there to help people with different abilities.
And the very first time I appreciated the Accessible Tactile Tiles on Pathways on both sides of the roads, and at the end of the pathway as a warning sign for the people with Visual Impairment issues.
Accessible Tactile Tiles :
There are usually many types of tiles that are placed on the sidewalks to guide people with Visual Impairment.
These Tactile Tiles include streak, blister, and capsule-shaped tiles. A tactile path is used by partially Visually Impaired people for navigational purposes.
Visually impaired people use a cane to feel the way forward. When a cane touches these patterned Tactile Tiles, these people are guided to the way forward.
Those of us who have been endowed with sight by nature may not be well aware of the importance of these tiles. Some of us think that these tiles are probably used for decorative purposes, But the truth is that it serves as a navigation guide for the Visually Impaired people.
You may have seen such tiles on the sidewalk many times. They normally have bright colors like yellow or red tiles and sometimes in dark colours like dark Grey or Black, you will see on Airports, Pathways, Train stations, underground stations, subway stations, bus stations, and other public places. Marked with little blows and ridges, these tiles would be fixed in any place that claims to be accessible for the persons with visual impairment.
Some of the visually impaired people also have partial vision. That is why these tactiles tiles are made in very bright colors like yellow and red but sometimes you can see Black and Grey as well. These colors are simpler to be glimpsed by partially-sighted persons.
Also, red tiles are generally used for indicating a controlled crossing. Like, if you will see red-colored tactile tiles on crossings it means there is a traffic and/or pedestrian indication available. This indicates to the partially-sighted people that they can use pedestrian light to cross the road. Yellow-colored Tactile tiles are utilized for unbridled crossings.
If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under "Accessibility Uncovered".
