Some Fact + Figures

• Approximately 2million people in the UK are blind or partially sighted
• Approximately 9million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, but only an approximate 50-70,000 use British Sign Language. Around 123,000 have lost their hearing after learning the spoken language. Approximately 23,000 people are deaf-blind
• Only an estimated 18% of blind people are totally blind
• Assisting Dogs work by avoiding obstacles, moving in the straightest line possible
• Long Cane users use their cane to detect obstacles, often using a building line to detect changes in condition – door openings, corner, kerb etc.
• An estimated 8million people in the UK have arthritis. Approximately 1million are under 50years of age, and approximately 15,000 are children
• There are approximately 750,000 wheelchair users in the UK
• The Point? Accessibility is for ALL – from a blind person to a wheelchair user, to a fully able bodied person carrying a full load of shopping.
• Accessibility for disabled people is in part about empowerment – we all act differently when we have confidence.
• Simple and common measures can empower visually disabled people:
• clear signage - few people enjoy asking for help!
• signage should have image and text, as visual imparements vary
• strong icons help orientation and wayfinding
• tactile maps can be child-friendly too
• audible way finding
• consistent good quality light levels
• Central sight loss reduces clarity of fine detail + colour – strong light can be unbearable
• Peripheral vision reduces depth perception although limited areas of clear vision occur. Strong light is preferred to increase contrast and depth of field.
• In design, used diffused and even light levels, using spots if required to emphasise design features, but keeping directed light away from direct vision.
• Sporadic loss of sight causes problems particularly with glazed areas. Small scale, subtle manifestation can be confused or misinterpreted by the brain, and therefore easily missed. In design, use angular manifestations with good colour contrast levels.
• Ramps should be designed to current standards, but attention to paving detail is required:
• Single, anti-slip surface will reduce the perception of a stepped surface. Ensure access to ramp is legible by those who use long canes – they should ideally meet the building external wall.
• Simple design measures can also empower hearing impared people:
• Provide clear lighting to allow easy lip-reading
• Provide space for a BSL interpreter in presentation spaces
• Reduce distractions around reception desks, etc, where lip-reading may be used
• Provide quiet areas where discreet communication is required
• Clear signage
• If an induction loop is to be installed, make sure its in the correct location
• BS8300 is undergoing its 5year review
• Part M requries 30pt contrast, BS8300 currently requires 20pt
• Project Rainbow gives many more options for colour contrasts, and suggests key locations where contrast is required.
• New Dulux CD has been produced (and ordered) - new colour fan required for input colour refs.

Useful links

RNIB:

RNID:

National Register of Access Consultants: