Skip to main content

A Complete Guide to Different Types of Tactile Indicators

Blind men walking on AODA detectable warning surface


 Tactile indicators play a critical role enhancing the accessibility for visually impaired individuals. They are available in different types and colors which make it easy for the people with visual impairment to navigate easily and at the same time improve the appeal of the space. They are either CSA attention domes tiles or directional bars that are built into or applied to the existing surface. They are designed to give warnings of hazards in the continuous accessible path of travel and directional information to pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. The color contrast helps pedestrians in detecting modules visually.

Let’s  talk about the two essential types of tactile indicators

  • Warning tactile indicators: Contractors also refer to them as hazard tactile indicators. They are the textured surface features that contractors can add to the walking surfaces that act like a stop sign. Their main job is to alert pedestrians who are blind or have vision-impaired in their line of travel. However, they don’t indicate what the hazard is about.

  • Directional tactile indicators: they consist of directional bars that are applied to the walking surfaces to give directional orientation to people with low vision. These Code Compliant Tactile Solutions help people with visual impairment to easily navigate in the open spaces and also designate the accessible route that pedestrians can take. Directional tactile indicators allow people to safely access a crossing point, public transport access point and the entrance of a significant public facility.

After determining the types of tactile indicators like IFC Fire resistant Tactile, it’s essential to talk about what types of tactile indicator area suitable for your project.

For the outdoor applications, Polyurethane tactile is preferred. You can also opt for stainless steel tiles.  For the interior applications, Polyurethane tactile indicators are highly recommended.  To ensure the tactile indicators comply with the project standards, contractors have to follow AODA detectable warning surface installation guidelines to ensure there are no deviations from standards.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Why are AODA-Compliant Stair Edge Nosing Solutions Important in Building Design?

  The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) has been in place since 2005, and since then, it has been the responsibility of contractors and building owners to ensure that their premises are compliant with the Act. One of the key ways to ensure compliance is to install Code-Compliant Stair Edge Nosing Solutions in the building design. The purpose of these indicators is to provide a safe and accessible environment for all users, including those with disabilities. By installing Code-Compliant Stair Edge Nosing Solutions, building owners and contractors can ensure that their premises are compliant with the AODA and are meeting the standards set out by the Act . What is Code-Compliant Stair Edge Nosing Solutions? Code-Compliant Stair Nosing Solutions are another essential component of AODA-compliant design. They are considered to provide a safe and accessible environment for users with disabilities. The solutions are typically installed on the edges of stairways a

Everything you Need to Know about Tactile Walking Surface Indicators

Tactile walking surface indicators play a crucial role in making the facility accessible to pedestrians, especially those with visual impairment. The tactile attention indicators convey information to people about the surroundings through texture and sometimes sound. In most situations, contractors are aware of the importance of installing tactile indicators but are unaware of the code requirements for installing tactile walking surface indicators pathways in Toronto. From the color compliance to design basics and size requirements, contractors have to take various things into account. One thing contractors must note is that the TWSI must provide high tonal contrast with the surrounding surface. Also, most of the indicators installed in the city of Toronto are made of cast iron. Cast iron develops a rusty color in the first year of installation, but the color will fade eventually as cast iron will develop a natural patina. The natural patina provides even greater tonal contrast with

Tactile Ground Surface Indicators: Attention vs. Guiding Domes

While boarding a train or crossing a street, you might have noticed small rounded domes, slightly raised bars firmly placed on the ground. These tiles can be felt by cane or underfoot. They are referred to as  tactile ground surface indicators .  A very usual type of detectable warning plate use attention patterns that uses rows of rounded narrow bars as  indicators.  This attention paving conveys a message about the danger or navigation to visually challenged persons. In addition, these detectable warning plates mark the transition when placed at curb ramps or guide the pedestrians to take caution measures before taking stairs. Types of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators Tactile paving indicators indicate warnings and cautions or may mark safe areas. It allows pedestrians with visual impairment to identify their milieu and navigate it unconventionally by offering a palpable way. Attention pattern Attention patterns are a series of rows of truncated domes. There are two types of attenti