For anyone who lives in the North West of England and who may
be familiar with the Trafford (Shopping) Centre, they have large
automatic revolving doors, with the emphasis being on large (and
slow moving). As a chair user I find these very easy to use
although I think one improvement would be an audible alert when
they stop (if they are obstructed) to make life easier for Visually
Impaired People.
For people who are not familiar with the Trafford Centre, the
'compartments' (of which I think there are three) are big enough to
fit at least two wheelchair users in with enough room to still
manouvre easily as the door moves round, if they are obstructed in
any way they will stop, pause and then continue. I find them much
easier to use than sliding automatic doors which sometimes don't
open in time!
Another advantage of these doors is that when they break down (or
if it's a very hot day etc), the partitions can be folded back to allow
people to still pass through them rather than a sliding automatic
door which may be rendered completely useless until repaired.
Of course, any glass surfaces (ie doors, windows and partitions)
should always be properly highlighted at around eye level for people
with visual impairments too and the floor coverings should be
carefully considered with wheelchair users in mind.
Regards,
Anna Charles - Jones
Project Assistant
Centre for the Promotion of Social Inclusion
Manchester Metropolitan University
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