A detectable warning surface is a tactile surface or auditory alert built in or applied to walking surfaces, or other structures to warn of hazards on a walking path, bus stops, train station platforms or ramps.
Tactile warning surfaces are intended to work like a stop sign, to alert blind or vision impaired pedestrians to the presence of a hazard in the line of travel. Tactile warning surfaces generally come either:
- as built in surface tiles, installed at the time of laying pathways or kerbs
- detectable surface matting, which can be permanently applied to existing surfaces by adhesive backing.
Auditory alert systems such as accessible pedestrian signals (APS), provide auditory signaling when it is safe to cross at a road intersection, reducing the risk of crashes between pedestrians and vehicles.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
When travelling to and from work, or for walking travel requirements during work such as going to meetings, shopping or getting lunch, the availability of detectable warning systems can assist with safe mobilisation for persons who are blind or vision impaired. Workplaces have a duty of care to incorporate the needs of people with disabilities into comprehensive evacuation plans, and consider their access requirements. Orientation and mobility training may be required if persons with vision impairments are required to travel for work.
For further information on safety or navigation equipment for persons with vision impairment, please see the links below:
References
Adb (no date specified), Detectable Warning Surfaces, Accessible Design for the Blind, New Caledonia, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.accessforblind.org/dw_abt.html.
Amorcast 2003, Detectable Warning Surface Tiles, Amorcast Products Company, California, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.armorcastprod.com/warningsys_tiles.htm.
Bentzen, B.L. & Tabor, L.S. 1998, Accessible Pedestrian Signals, Accessible Design for the Blind, Massachusetts, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.acb.org/pedestrian/signals.html.
Detectable Warning Surfaces 2008, Home Page, Detectable Warning Systems, Inc, Florida, viewed 15 March 2011,http://www.detectable-warning.com.
Sight Connection 2011, Products for Living Well with Vision Loss—Orange Bump Dots—Small, Seattle, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.sightconnection.com/orbudosm.html.
Vision Australia 2011, Labelling and identifying, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org/catalogue/Default.aspx?CID=1&CSID=2&SubCategoryName=Labelling%20and%20identifying.