Accessibility of Shared Space by Visually Challenged People

Abstract

Shared Space is a concept that comprises the design of a public space. There are concerns about the accessibility of Shared Spaces for people who are visually challenged. In this paper we give a systematic overview of the appearance of Shared Spaces in the Netherlands and the consequences that these spaces may have for the independent mobility of visually challenged persons. Environmental characteristics of ten typical Shared-Space locations in the Netherlands were registered. Possible problems that these characteristics could cause for visually challenged users of these spaces ware judged by a group of experts in the field of orientation and mobility. In addition, compliance of the selected locations with existing guidelines for accessibility was assessed. None of the selected Shared-Space locations were free of potential problems for people with a visual impairment. Based on these results we introduce a Shared-Space guide to assist authorities, designers and architects in developing accessible Shared Spaces.

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