Domain 11 Environmental Accessibility

Question 1

What is meant by Universal Design and how does it assist learners with visual impairments?

Answer 1

Universal Design is designing for all users, which makes the environment more accessible to VI learners.

Question 2

What is meant by the term “wayfinding”?

Answer 2

Planning & strategic components that guide actions, deliberate movement, and the ability to reach a goal.

Question 3

Define the three key design concepts and describe the application to learners with visual impairments?

1. logical layout
2. visibility
3. lighting

Answer 3

1. logical layout: layouts in which the user can anticipate location of facilities - such as stairs nearby elevators or restrooms being adjacent.
2. visibility: environment in which key features such as handrails, stair nosings, and doors have high visual contrast with their surroundings are safer and more negotiable for all sighted persons, including those with low vision.
3. lighting: Good lighting enhances visibility of size & architecture features and does not cause glare or heavy shadows; although optimal lighting varies individually, in general VI people are thought to need 50-100% more light than those with unimpaired vision.

Question 4

List three ingredients of sign legibility:
1.
2.
3.

Answer 4

Three ingredients of sign legibility are:

1. No glare
2. legible font
3. high contrast

Question 5

What is the recommended placement of an audible pedestrian signal (APS)?

Answer 5

The recommended placement of an APS is no more than 10 feet from the curb line; as close as possible to the line of the associated crosswalk that is farthest from the center of the intersection. Additional devices should be at least 10 feet apart.

Question 6

Explain the benefit of APS to a learner with a visual impairment.

Answer 6

The benefit of APS to a VI learner is give auditory indication of possible clear travel path

Question 7

Describe the effectiveness of tactile guidestrips when used at street crossings.

Answer 7

Tactile guidestrips are effective when used at street crossings because they give indication of the curb and warn of traffic.

Question 8

Describe accessibility issues in transit stations and what modifications can be made to assist the learner with a visual impairment.

Answer 8

Tactile guidestrips indicate platform edges; Need to locate track number, audio announcements, high contrast/no glare

Question 9

Describe the technology involved in purchasing a ticket in a modern transit system and the challenges for the learner with a visual impairment.

Answer 9

Machines for purchase/validation require location of components and reading of possible electronic messages. Speech enabled for display information and initiation are required by ADA.

Question 10

Explain how an O&M specialist could achieve an environmental modification that addresses barriers to accessibility.

Answer 10

Request a review by an engineering authority. Adapt stairs/lighting for contrast. Communicate with site supervisors regarding needs

Question 11

Describe redesign modifications which could be made to assist a learner with a visual impairment for the following environmental challenges:

1. protruding objects
2. stairs
3. platforms at rail stations
4. blended curbs

Answer 11

1. protruding objects: build barrier or texture variance for definition on flooring; contrast/illumination
2. stairs: tactile & high-contrast definition of drop off; lighting
3. platforms at rail stations: tactile & high-contrast definition of drop off; guard rails; barriers such as chains or queue line cords
4. blended curbs: Contrasting color or texture; audible signals