I am studying issues of accessibility in train stations.
At this time I am particularly looking for information on what are the
best (or worst) Train Stations in the world, for blind, visually
impaired and Deaf station users.
My focus is on inter-city train stations, which people do not use every
day... (not on subway stations.... though the lessons learned in subways
might well be applicable).
In particular I would be interested in finding as many possible
solutions, so consider, to the problems of
(RELATING TO BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED USERS, though of course it also
relates to all)
1. Finding the Braille signs, (going beyond just putting them in the
standard places, at the standard heights
2. Informing users of the direction North
3. Informing or reminding station users -- of what level of the
building they're on
4. Informing users of general direction of traffic flow, turns, etc.
It has been suggested to me that floor texture could do this, but I
need specifics, that are acceptable to general building codes, etc. Any
way to vary the finish / specs of TERAZZO to do this? (I am assuming
that a station would rule out carpet and wood flooring.... and assuming
that any switch from terazzo to tiles would be a cost-sensitive thing,
perhaps to be used sparingly)
5. Anyone know anything about the Braille "CHAIR RAIL" type system,
(shown at the Cooper Hewitt Nat. Design Museum Univ. Design show last
year)? That is, anyone know of any public facilities that HAVE it, and
could comment on how it has worked out in real applications?
6. Re: Deaf station users.
We're aware of the commonly employed systems (visual train boards, and
visual strobe annunciators for train platforms and fire alarms & having
some TTY pay phones).... Anybody have any other ideas?
7. We have the mobility-disability considerations (relatively)
"covered" already, but would be happy to hear any input on that, as
well.
One specific "mobility" area in which I need more input, is adjustable
platforms for trains that come into the station with floor heights
higher than the platform. We are aware of a portable one used in
Canada, and if there are any "installed" ones" that can adjust to BOTH
vertical gap and horizontal gap, in one unit.... we are quite interested
in finding any better alternatives out there, including manufacturer's
contact info.
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(Explanation: Yes.... we know what the ADAAG & other building Codes
say, and yes.. we know that there are "expert consultants" out there
looking to sell services, and big "establishment" organisations that do
mostly "services" and a bit of "advocacy" thrown in, who are "the usual
suspects" to ask. At this moment, I am looking to go beyond those
sources, to se what other info I might find.)
Thanks very much, for any help on any of the above.
Jim Davis
Elizabeth, New Jersey
USA
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