5th Jul 2024
Over 1.5 million Canadians are visually impaired, and an estimated 5.59 million more have sight loss causing eye disease. For these individuals, navigating public spaces can be challenging and unsafe without proper accessibility accommodations. Tactile warning systems provide an invaluable service by alerting visually impaired pedestrians to potential hazards and guiding their movement through the built environment.
As a leading Canadian supplier of tactile warning systems, Tactile Solution Canada is committed to enhancing accessibility and mobility for the visually impaired. We offer a wide selection of tactile warning products, including detectable warning surfaces, wayfinding indicators, and exit signs. Our systems are designed to meet the latest accessibility standards and codes in Canada.
Tactile warning surfaces like truncated domes alert visually impaired individuals to upcoming hazards like stairs, ramps, level changes, and road crossings. The unique texture is easily detected by a person's feet or cane, warning them to stop, slow down, or proceed with caution. This helps prevent potentially dangerous falls or collisions. Proper use of tactile warnings has been proven to reduce accidents among visually impaired pedestrians.
Wayfinding indicators like raised bars guide users along a set path or route. These tactile cues help visually impaired Canadians navigate safely through open spaces, transit platforms, and complex building interiors where maintaining a straight path is difficult. Wayfinding strips provide confidence for independent travel.
Tactile systems allow visually impaired citizens to access and utilize public spaces in their community. With proper installations that meet guidelines like the CSA B651 Standard in Canada, visually impaired individuals can travel safely and comfortably through areas like sidewalks, stairways, parks, transit stations, and information centers. Tactile warning systems are a key accessibility accommodation required under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
For many visually impaired Canadians, the ability to travel independently is linked to quality of life. Tactile warning systems give users the confidence to navigate their environment without constant reliance on sighted guides. This allows for greater autonomy and freedom in everyday tasks. Mobility and independence are critical factors for mental health and social participation.
Standardized tactile warning systems give visually impaired travelers consistency across different cities and provinces. For example, a truncated dome surface alerts a user to the edge of a train platform whether they are in Toronto, Vancouver, or Moncton. Consistent tactile cues allow for intuitive understanding and safe travel regardless of location. It also streamlines accessibility for organizations that operate across Canada.
While tactile warning systems offer immense benefits, their effectiveness depends greatly on proper installation and maintenance. Here are some key considerations:
Complying with standards and installing tactile systems properly is imperative for both safety and creating an accessible environment.
Blindness or low vision should not prevent full participation in society. With Canada’s aging population, the need for thoughtful accessibility will only increase in the future. Tactile warning surfaces and indicators fulfill a critical need for safe navigation by providing standardized, intuitive information underfoot.
While key to accessibility for visually impaired individuals, tactile warning systems offer benefits for all pedestrians. Children, seniors, distracted cell phone users, and those under the influence can all appreciate the extra safety cue. Tactile surfaces enhance walkability and security in public spaces for all citizens.
At Tactile Solution Canada, our goal is to create modern, integrated accessibility to improve mobility and quality of life for Canadians with vision loss. Contact our knowledgeable team today to discuss how tactile warning systems can enhance safety, accessibility, and experience at your next project site.
A: Key documents include the CSA B651 Standard, Ontario Building Code, and Accessibility Design Guidelines in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. These outline proper applications, dimensions, and installation methods for tactile pavers and surfaces.
A: Domes should be installed at stairs, pedestrian crossings, ramps, transit platform edges, and other hazardous drop-offs or level changes per Canadian codes.
A: Common options are metal, composite, plastic, and rubber. Durability, aesthetics, price point, and lifespan factor into material selection.
A: Consult with suppliers early in the process to seamlessly incorporate tactile into the overall site layout, color scheme, and flooring materials.
A: Schedule inspections, train staff to spot damage, and keep spare materials on hand for repairing surfaces. Proper maintenance ensures accessibility is preserved.
At Tactile Solution Canada, we offer consultations to help you select appropriate tactile solutions tailored to your specific project site, needs, and goals. Contact us today to discuss enhancing accessibility!
5th Jul 2024
In public realm design, tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) serve a vital role in enhancing accessibility and safety for pedestrians with vision impairments. TWSIs provide standardized textured ground surfaces that convey essential navigational cues and hazard warnings through the sense of touch.
Two key types of TWSIs exist—warning tactile and guidance tactile. But what exactly sets them apart? In this blog post, we’ll explore the crucial differences between these two indispensable tactile systems.
Also known as attention or hazard tactile indicators, warning tactile signify potential dangers present along the path of travel. Warning tactile typically feature:
Warning tactile’s textured pattern alerts pedestrians to stop, assess their surroundings, and proceed with caution. They notify individuals with vision impairments about impending drop-offs, obstacles, or changes in elevation.
Some prime locations where warning tactile provide vital hazard cues include:
Warning tactile along the platform edge prevents accidental slips and falls onto the tracks.
Warning tiles at transitions from sidewalk to street caution users about the level change.
Warning tiles mark door thresholds to indicate the change in elevation.
Warning patterns at stair nosings signal upcoming stairs.
Warning tactile defines the crossing point before vehicle routes.
Warning tactile forewarn users of moving staircases.
Guidance tactile, also called directional or wayfinding tactile, provides orientation cues to guide pedestrians along appropriate circulation routes. Guidance tactile common feature:
The linear bars give pedestrians tactile information about the safe direction of movement and path location. Guidance or tactile wayfinding enables intuitive wayfinding, especially in large open spaces.
Some key locations where guidance tactile direct and orient pedestrians include:
Guidance tactile directs passengers to platforms, ticket counters, exits, etc.
Guidance patterns guide users safely across open plazas and fields.
Guidance tactile leads from entrances to reception desks, elevators, and other areas.
Guidance patterns direct users through sprawling complexes.
Now that we’ve covered both systems independently, let’s examine how warning and guidance tactile differ:
When employing TWSIs in public realm design, it’s crucial to follow Canadian accessibility guidelines and regulations. Relevant codes and standards include:
Compliant tactile not only fulfill legal obligations but also create consistently accessible and interpretable cues that enhance public safety.
The two main types are warning/attention tactile, that caution about hazards, and guidance/wayfinding tactile, which directs along safe paths.
Warning tactile is used at platform edges, curb ramps, apartment/condo buildings, stairs, pedestrian crossings, etc. Guidance tactile is installed along walkways and circulation routes.
Yes, warning and guidance tactile work in tandem. Guidance paths often begin/end with warning tiles indicating upcoming hazards or decision points.
Relevant regulations include the AODA, CSA B651, Ontario Building Code, and National Building Code of Canada.
As Canada’s premier accessibility solutions provider, Tactile Solution Canada offers a wide selection of compliant warning and guidance tactile systems from trusted brands like:
Let our team of experts recommend the optimal tactile systems for your next public project. Contact Tactile Solution Canada today!
5th Jul 2024
Ensuring accessibility for all individuals, regardless of physical ability, is a crucial moral and legal responsibility. For visually impaired persons, in particular, navigating the built environment poses daily challenges that most sighted individuals take for granted.
Tactile warning surface indicators (TWSIs), also known as detectable warning surfaces, provide a vital communication channel between public infrastructure and individuals with visual disabilities. Composed of standardized textured ground surfaces, TWSIs convey essential information non-visually through the sense of touch.
As per Canadian accessibility legislation like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), integrating TWSIs in various indoor and outdoor public spaces is mandatory. When thoughtfully implemented, these ingenious surfaces enhance accessibility and quality of life for millions of Canadians.
TWSIs feature distinctive surface patterns that are easily detectable underfoot or by a cane. Two main types exist:
These indicate potential hazards like the edge of a platform or oncoming vehicular traffic. The typical configuration is truncated domes organized in a square or radial pattern.
These provide directional cues to guide pedestrians along designated walking paths. Common configurations are raised bars, cones, or grooves running parallel to the direction of travel.
The thoughtful integration of TWSIs enhances indoor accessibility and safety for the visually impaired. Key applications include:
Proper interior placement is crucial - too few can leave dangerous gaps in information, while overuse can cause clutter and confusion. When thoughtfully distributed, indoor TWSIs foster confidence, independence, and security.
Outdoor public realms present even greater navigational challenges. Proper TWSI integration enhances outdoor accessibility by:
With outdoor TWSIs, regular maintenance is key, as exposure can degrade materials over time. Fortunately, their durable materials offer excellent longevity even in harsh conditions.
The benefits of thoughtfully installed TWSIs for visually impaired Canadians are immense, including:
Ultimately, TWSIs allow full participation in society and provide a lifeline to accessibility.
Beyond the user perspective, TWSIs also benefit the owners and operators of public and private spaces in key ways:
By investing in proper TWSI integration, organizations show they genuinely care about inclusivity - an ethos that appeals to conscientious consumers.
To maximize the benefits of TWSIs for all, consider the best practices:
With thoughtful design, diligent installation, and proper maintenance, the impacts of TWSIs on accessibility and inclusivity will continue growing for decades to come.
Tactile ground surface indicators provide detectable tactile cues to assist visually impaired pedestrians in navigating public spaces safely and independently. Key purposes include signaling hazards and providing directional guidance.
These textured ground surface indicators serve two main functions - warning pedestrians about upcoming hazards like curbs or stairs and guiding pedestrians along designated walking paths in large open spaces.
Warning tactile ground surface indicators use distinctive surface patterns like truncated domes to signal upcoming hazards to pedestrians with visual disabilities. This alerts them to dangers like curbs, platform edges, vehicle areas, or stairs.
In our complex urban landscapes, seamless public accessibility requires careful infrastructural planning. For pedestrians with visual impairments, the integration of Tactile Warning Surface Indicators (TWSIssss) provides an indispensable communication channel to the built environment. Indoors and out, proper TWSIs placement promotes confidence, independence, and security during daily life.
By investing in compliant, durable, thoughtfully distributed TWSIs, businesses and urban planners take an essential step towards a Canada without barriers. At Tactile Solution, we provide reliable, superior-quality TWSIs not only meet but surpass all pertinent regulations and specifications. We offer a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to meet the specific needs of each project.
5th Jul 2024
In today's world, creating inclusive and accessible public spaces is of utmost importance. Public spaces, such as rest stops, shopping centers, playgrounds, etc., must prioritize the needs of individuals with visual impairments or disabilities.
One crucial aspect of accessibility is the implementation of Attention Tactile Solutions, specifically CSA-Compliant Attention Tiles. CSA-Compliance refers to adhering to the standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for Attention Tactile Solutions.
These attention tiles guide and alert individuals to potential hazards or changes in their surroundings, ensuring their safety and convenience. In this blog post, we'll cover the different types of attention-tactile solutions for public spaces.
Canadian accessibility codes mandate the installation of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) to alert visually impaired individuals about potentially hazardous areas, enabling them to navigate public spaces safely and independently.
These solutions typically involve the installation of attention tiles on walking surfaces. By detecting the attention tiles through their canes or feet, visually impaired individuals can gather essential information about their surroundings, such as changes in direction, hazards, or entrances.
The Code-Compliant Tactile Solutions with truncated domes are designed in various materials, colors, and sizes to assure compliance in all situations, whether inside or outside, on newly constructed or on retrofit and existing surfaces.
There is a wide range of attention-tactile solutions available, mainly categorized into two types: "cast-in-place" tiles and "surface applied tiles".
Advantage Replaceable Cast Iron Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI) plates are designed in strict accordance with ASTM A-48, Class 35B Grey Cast Iron. The Cast in Place System is lightweight with exceptionally high strength and uses advanced metallurgical Engineering Science and Technology to surpass municipal standards. These tiles offer a reliable way to improve safety and accessibility in any public space.
Features:
Lightweight and easy to install
Engineered to endure the toughest conditions, such as snow plows, overweight vehicular loads, and heavy pedestrian traffic
10-year manufacturer’s warranty
AccessTile Cast in Place Replaceable Tactile Attention Domes are leading the way in durability and detectability for tactile systems. This Canadian accessibility code-compliant Cast in Place truncated attention domes are suitable for all environments, providing top-quality solutions for tactile infrastructure products.
Access Tile Replaceable Cast in Place attention domes are installed in wet concrete at building exits near areas with moving vehicles. These detectable warning surfaces visually contrast the ground and provide a different texture to alert the people and help them navigate safely. These Replaceable Cast in Place tactile surface indicators are durable, weather-resistant, and proven to withstand wear and tear.
Features:
Advantage ONE Plate Tactile Walking Surface Indicators(TWSI) are designed for all interior accessibility solutions. They incorporate a textured stainless steel surface for long-lasting slip resistance. These products undergo rigorous testing to surpass guidelines set by AODA, CSA, ISO, and building codes at provincial and national levels.
Features:
Advantage Cast Iron Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI) plates are a reliable and time-tested solution for improving accessibility and safety. They offer several benefits, including aesthetic appeal, long-lasting durability, and a built-in slip-resistant surface for enhanced traction.
Features:
Armor-Tile Cast in place truncated domes are designed from a diamond-hard vitrified polymer composite material, making them an industry leader for their durability, strength, weather, and wear resistance.
The applications of tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) extend beyond their use in truncated domes. They are also suitable for curb ramps, escalator approaches, parking areas, transit platforms, top-of-stair landings/wheelchair ramps, multimodal transit stations, pedestrian crossings, and vehicular passageways.
Armor Tile cast-in-place domes meet all the requirements set by Canadian accessibility codes such as AODA, CSA, ISO, as well as provincial and national building codes (specifically Ontario's tactile walking surface indicators).
Features:
Access Tile Surface Applied Domes are the industry leader in affordable detectable warning tiles used for any retrofit job. They are ideal for various applications, such as multimodal transit stations, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian crossings, parking areas, tops and bottoms of stair landings, escalator approaches, and many more to alert the public when they're about to reach an unsafe edge.
These Tactile attention domes are useful for people with visual impairments, as they can be felt through footwear. These attention domes are also designed with unique sound reflections for those with guidance canes. This helps them differentiate between Access Tile surface tiles and concrete, allowing for safe and detectable navigation of curb endings.
Features:
The Advantage One Stainless Steel Dome Tactile System is a special and useful tactile solution for increasing safety and accessibility. These individual attention domes feature a permanent slip-resistant texture integrated into the stainless steel. Advantage One Individual Attention Domes are drilled and fastened directly into the ground and are specifically designed for all interior accessibility solutions.
Features:
Eon Tile Rubber Attention Domes are durable and flexible tactile indicators ideal for designing and constructing high-quality commercial, institutional, and public spaces.
Eon Tile Attention Domes warn pedestrians, especially the visually impaired, about drop-off edges and areas without curbs or barriers to separate the pedestrian route from a vehicular traffic route.
Features:
Elan Tile Porcelain Tactile Indicator Attention Domes are designed for style, engineered for performance, and suitable for interior and exterior applications. Elan Tile offers highly durable and versatile walking surface indicators to alert pedestrians of potential hazards conditions ahead, indicating the end of a curb or an edge drop-off. Elan Tile Porcelain Attention Domes are fully compliant with the Canadian Accessibility code.
Features
The Armor-Tile surface applied tiles offer a cost-effective solution for retrofitting sidewalks. These tiles comply with Canadian accessibility codes, including AODA, CSA, ISO, and provincial and national building codes, specifically for Ontario's tactile walking surface indicators.
Features:
AccessTile Fire Resistant Tile with Attention Domes is an effective way to enhance accessibility and safety in high-risk areas. This Surface Applied fire-resistant tile, which meets the Ontario building code requirements, is their first composite tile. These fire resistant Access tile is mandatory in high rise buildings with more than 7 floors.
Access Tile FR is the cost-effective interior solution for applying TWSI tactile warning surface indicators on floors, specifically in exit stairwells, vestibules, lobbies, and corridors. These Surface Applied Fire-Resistant tiles comply with building specifications in Ontario.
Features:
28th Apr 2023
Tactile solutions are nothing less than a boon for people with vision loss. These promise accessibility and create accessible environments for people with vision loss. Simultaneously, understanding the proper use of tactile is extremely crucial.
Over 3% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, approximately 750,000 people, have disabilities that limit their daily activities. As per the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), 5.8% of the people under this age group are legally blind.
Considering such several visually challenged populations, it becomes extremely crucial to implement code-compliant tactile solutions for accessibility in public spaces.
This guide aims to cover the nitty-gritty of the setting tactile solutions and how these create accessible space for people with vision loss.
Designing a tactile solution holds the utmost importance. The designers must consider four basic elements while designing an accessible environment for people with vision loss. Let’s discuss each.
It is extremely important to logically design public spaces such as street networks, transit facilities, stores, and shopping areas. Why? Doing so helps visually challenged people memorize the space and get familiar with it quickly and easily. Use a consistent, logical, and easy layout for the exterior and interior of any planned setting.
Lighting is one of the essential guiding factors for visually challenged people. Lighting kinds, styles, and locations are determined for employing lighting to aid in wayfinding and orientation.
The concept of colour and brightness contrast is vital in making environments safer and more usable for everyone, greatly impacting many elements within a constructed environment. Colour contrast should be employed between travel pathways and neighbouring ground surfaces.
TWSIs, also known as detectable warning surfaces or tactile attention indicators, are standardized walking surfaces that provide information to those blind or visually impaired through texture and, in some cases, sound.
They are often created using inserts like metal, rubber, stone, or plastic or can be built directly into concrete ground surfaces. TWSIs should have a texture that is detectable with a long cane and can be felt underfoot. To reduce the possibility of tripping, their edges should be bevelled.
Sometimes referred to as warning TWSIs, TWSIs draw attention to critical hazards such as the staircase’s beginning or the platform’s edge. Attention TWSIs should be circular, flat-topped, truncated domes or cones on a walking surface.
Let’s understand the specifications of attention TWSIs -
TWSIs for guidance should comprise a pattern of parallel, flat-topped, elongated bars extending in the direction of movement.
Let’s check out the specification for guidance TWSIs -
TWSIs used on road surfaces differ from guide surfaces in pedestrian zones. TWSIs placed on road surfaces at pedestrian crossings should -
The tactile solutions covered in this guide are obtained from multiple sources like National Building Code of Canada, CAN/CSA B651 Accessible design for the built environment, ISO/FDIS 21542 Building Construction – Accessibility & usability of the built environment and ISO 23599 – Assistive products for blind and vision-impaired persons.
