By building with diverse needs in mind, we build for humanity. Compliant solutions strategically incorporated from the start help seed the community through design. - Thomas Schwartz
Imagine entering a sleek, modern office building - only to find uneven stair edges, dimly lit exit routes, and no tactile guidance underfoot. For employees and visitors with disabilities, this isn’t just inconvenient; it’s exclusionary.
This was the reality for a mid-sized Toronto-based tech company managing a multi-story office building. Despite their commitment to innovation, their workspace lacked critical accessibility features, creating daily hurdles for those with vision impairments, mobility challenges, or sensory disabilities. After a near-miss incident where an employee with low vision tripped on an unmarked staircase, the company realized their space wasn’t just outdated - it was unsafe.
In this blog, we’ll walk through their journey of transforming an inaccessible office into a model of inclusivity. You’ll learn actionable strategies to address compliance gaps, enhance safety, and foster an environment where everyone thrives.
The tech company’s building faced three core issues common in high-traffic workplaces:
Without tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) or clear signage, employees with low vision struggled to navigate open-plan floors, staircases, and emergency exits. The absence of directional bars and attention domes left them disoriented, while glossy floors created a glare that masked hazards.
Smooth, unmarked stair edges and ramps without non-slip stair nosing or tactile markers posed slip-and-fall risks. Wheelchair users reported difficulty aligning with ramps due to poor visual contrast, violating CSA B651 standards for detectable warnings.
During a fire drill, the lack of photoluminescent exit signs and path markings led to confusion in low-light conditions. This oversight breached Ontario Fire Code requirements, putting everyone at risk.
The facilities team initially felt paralyzed by the complexity of accessibility codes like AODA, NBC, and CSA and the sheer variety of products available. After weeks of fruitless research, a peer-recommended Tactile Solution Canada, which had streamlined code compliance for a high-rise condo project.
Guided by Tactile Solution Canada, the company implemented a phased upgrade:
Post-upgrade, slip incidents dropped by a bigger percentage. Employees reported feeling safer, particularly in dimly lit areas like parking garages and stairwells.
The building passed its AODA audit with no violations, avoiding potential fines of up to $100,000 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
A staff survey revealed that a maximum number of employees felt the upgrades demonstrated the company’s commitment to diversity. One team member shared: “Finally, I can navigate the office independently - without asking for help.”
The use of replaceable polymer tiles (AccessTile) and modular photoluminescent systems allows cost-effective updates as codes evolve.
Creating an inclusive office isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits, but it’s about unlocking human potential. Consider these stats:
This Toronto tech company’s journey mirrors a growing trend: forward-thinking businesses recognize that accessibility is a catalyst for innovation. By integrating tactile guidance systems, non-slip stair solutions, and emergency-ready signage, they’ve created a workspace where safety and inclusivity are non-negotiable.
As you consider upgrades, remember that every ramp with tactile markers, every glow-in-the-dark exit sign, and every directional bar isn’t just a compliance checkbox - it’s a statement. A statement that says, Here, everyone belongs.
Tactile Solution Canada offers end-to-end support, from code-compliant product selection to installation guidance. Explore our solutions or call 1-877-761-5354 to speak with an accessibility advisor.
Inclusion isn’t a project - it’s a mindset. Start building yours today.
