APPLYING UNIVERSAL ACCESS PRINCIPLES FOR THE SAFE USE OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE CASE STUDY: UNIVERSITY OUTDOOR PATHS

Abstract

Making streetscape accessible, usable and safe for visually impaired people is an important part of creating an inclusive society. In their efforts towards such a society, many governments have introduced the concept of universal design (UD) especially in their university spaces. For visually impaired people, a universally designed is one in which they can find their way, while not being exposed to dangerous situations. A lead line is defined as a chain of natural leading elements and specialized tactile paving that is easy to follow for visually impaired people, in which elements provide visual and tactile information that is easy to recognize and understand. But in some cases, tactile paving may cause confused and risk situations to users especially in complex situations (open places, shared spaces, crossings, stairs…etc.). Also, that may due to the lack of using sign guidance which can complementary to the path.The purpose of this study is to discuss consistency and system faults when tactile paving is laid out. Second aim is to evaluate how they apply this system in university outdoor spaces. Finally, the study aims to evaluate the impaired people preference towards the necessary signs to complement the universal path as a step to prioritize to design for them.