Tag: #orientationandmobility

Electric Lift Patient Transfer Chair

By Violet Figueroa on September 19, 2023September 18, 2023

For Orders: https://accessibleplaces.ca/product/electric-lift-patient-transfer-chair/

The Electric Lift Patient Transfer Chair is an innovative and reliable device designed to provide seamless patient transfer and mobility assistance in various settings such as homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Crafted with sturdy iron and durable plastic materials, this ensures the Electric Lift Patient Transfer Chair has strength and longevity.

We at Accessible Places strive to create and share safe and accessible spaces and tools. If you would like an assessment or have any questions about accessibility, Please Contact Us!

Designers should always keep their users in mind

Measuring Accessibility Part 4 – Measuring Website Accessibility using the WCAG 2.1

By Violet Figueroa on July 14, 2023July 11, 2023

WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It provides recommendations for creating websites that are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. Here are some key points for businesses looking to ensure their website is accessible according to WCAG 2.1:

1. Perceivable: Ensure that users can perceive the information presented on your website.

Provide alternative text (alt text) for images, so screen readers can describe them to visually impaired users.
Use captions or transcripts for audio and video content.
Ensure that color alone is not used to convey essential information.

2. Operable: Ensure that users can navigate and interact with your website effectively.

Make all functionality available from a keyboard, as some users may not be able to use a mouse.
Ensure that links and interactive elements have sufficient size and spacing to be easily clickable.
Provide clear and consistent navigation throughout the website.

3. Understandable: Ensure that users can comprehend the content and functionality of your website.

Use clear and concise language.
Provide instructions and error messages that are easy to understand.
Ensure form inputs have appropriate labels and placeholders.

4. Robust: Ensure that your website can be accessed by a wide range of user agents (browsers, assistive technologies, etc.).

Use semantic HTML markup to enhance compatibility with different devices and assistive technologies.
Ensure that your website degrades gracefully in older or less common browsers.
Test your website on different platforms and assistive technologies to ensure compatibility.

To assist in evaluating and improving website accessibility, you can use the EqualWeb chrome extension. EqualWeb is an accessibility solution that integrates with your website to make it more accessible. It provides automated accessibility scans, identifies issues, and offers remediation solutions. It can help you address accessibility barriers and ensure your website complies with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Achieving full accessibility may require additional steps depending on the complexity of your website. Consulting with accessibility experts and conducting user testing with people with disabilities can provide valuable insights for making your website more inclusive and usable for all visitors.

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility.

Building Facade with the Sign for People With Disabilites

Measuring Accessibility Part 3 – Understanding ISO 21542 for Accessible Pre-Construction

By Violet Figueroa on July 13, 2023July 8, 2023

ISO 21542 is an international standard that provides guidelines for making buildings and facilities accessible to People with Disabilities. Here are some of the most important standards from ISO 21542 for construction companies:

Entrances: The standard requires entrances to be accessible and free from hazards that could cause trips or falls. This includes ensuring that pathways leading to the entrance are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices and that steps are equipped with handrails on both sides.

Elevators: The standard sets out requirements for accessible elevators, including their size, controls, and braille markings. Elevators should be large enough to accommodate mobility devices, and the controls and indicators should be easy to reach and understand.

Washrooms: The standard sets out requirements for accessible washrooms, including their size, layout, and the types of fixtures that must be included. Washrooms should be designed to accommodate mobility devices, with accessible stalls, sinks, and grab bars.

Lighting: The standard requires that lighting be sufficient to prevent falls and positioned to reduce glare and shadows. Lighting should be bright enough for people with visual impairments to see clearly, but not so bright as to cause discomfort or eye strain.

Flooring: The standard requires that flooring be slip-resistant and free from tripping hazards, with a maximum height difference of 5mm (0.2 inches) between flooring surfaces. This can include the use of slip-resistant materials such as carpet, vinyl, or rubber, and the placement of non-slip mats in areas that may become wet.

Signage: The standard requires that signage be provided in a range of formats, including braille and tactile formats, to ensure that people with visual impairments can access the information they need. The standard also sets out requirements for the size, contrast, and placement of signs to ensure they are easily visible.

By following these and other standards set by ISO 21542, construction companies can help ensure that the buildings they construct are accessible to people with disabilities, which can improve the safety, usability, and overall quality of the buildings. This can also help construction companies meet regulatory requirements and improve their reputation as socially responsible businesses.

Hiring an accessibility specialist can help benchmark your pre-construction’s current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements.

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility in your construction plans.

Measuring Accessibility Part 2 – Understanding CSA B652 Standards For Accessible Homes

By Violet Figueroa on July 12, 2023July 8, 2023

CSA B652 is a Canadian standard that provides guidelines for making homes and other residential buildings more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities. Here are some of the most important standards from CSA B652 that are relevant for seniorsand People with Disabilities living at home.

Entranceways: The standard requires entranceways to be accessible and free from hazards that could cause trips or falls. This includes ensuring that thresholds are flush with the floor surface, and that doorways are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices.
Lighting: The standard sets out requirements for lighting in residential buildings, with a focus on ensuring that lighting is sufficient to prevent falls and is positioned to reduce glare and shadows. Lighting should be bright enough for seniors to see clearly, but not so bright as to cause discomfort or eye strain.
Flooring: The standard requires that flooring be slip-resistant and free from tripping hazards, with a maximum height difference of 6mm (0.25 inches) between flooring surfaces. This can include the use of slip-resistant materials such as carpet, vinyl, or rubber, and the placement of non-slip mats in areas that may become wet.
Kitchens: The standard sets out requirements for accessible kitchens, including the placement and height of counters, the location of appliances, and the availability of storage that is easily reachable. Kitchen counters should be at a height comfortable for seniors to work at, and appliances such as ovens and microwaves should be at an easy height.
Bathrooms: The standard sets out requirements for accessible bathrooms, including the placement and height of fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and tubs, and grab bars and non-slip surfaces. Bathrooms should be designed to accommodate mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, with ample space for maneuvering.
Communication: The standard requires that residential buildings be equipped with communication devices such as visual or auditory alarms, intercoms, and emergency call systems to ensure that seniors can call for help in case of an emergency. These systems should be easy to use and located in accessible locations throughout the building.

By following these and other standards set by CSA B652, seniors living at home or in residential care facilities can enjoy a safe and accessible living environment that promotes their independence, dignity, and well-being.

Hiring an accessibility specialist can help benchmark your home’s current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements.

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility in your home.

Measuring Accessibility Part 1 – Understanding the CSA B651 Standards and Guidelines for Canadian Businesses

By Violet Figueroa on July 11, 2023July 8, 2023

For businesses in Canada that want to ensure their facilities and services are fully accessible, it is important to understand the various accessibility standards and guidelines that exist.

To start off, let us look at the CSA B651. Published by the Canadian Standards Association, CSA B651 outlines accessibility requirements for built environments for facilities and workspaces. It covers things like parking, ramps, corridors, elevators, signage, lighting and more.

Accessible parking: The standard requires that accessible parking spaces be located as close as possible to the accessible entrance of a building. The spaces must be wide enough to accommodate a vehicle with a side-mounted wheelchair lift, and they must be marked with a sign displaying the international symbol of accessibility.
Entranceways: The standard requires entranceways to be accessible to people with disabilities, with a minimum clear width of 900mm (35.5 inches). Where there are steps at the entrance, a ramp or lift must be provided. If a ramp is provided, it must be no steeper than 1:12 (8.33%) and be equipped with handrails on both sides. If a lift is provided, it must meet certain requirements for size, controls, and safety features.
Washrooms: The standard sets out detailed requirements for accessible washrooms, including the minimum number of fixtures required, the size of the stall and door, the height of grab bars and toilet seats, and the location of accessories such as toilet paper dispensers and waste receptacles.
Elevators: The standard requires that elevators be accessible to people with disabilities, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The standard also sets out requirements for braille markings on elevator controls and in the elevator car, as well as audible signals to indicate when a floor has been reached.
Signage: The standard requires that signage be provided in a range of formats, including braille and tactile formats, to ensure that people with visual impairments can access the information they need. The standard also sets out requirements for the size, contrast, and placement of signs to ensure they are easily visible.
Communication: The standard requires that businesses provide communication supports and assistive devices such as hearing aids, sign language interpreters, and captioning to ensure that people with hearing or speech impairments can communicate effectively. The standard also sets out requirements for the use of plain language and the availability of alternative formats for written materials such as manuals and instructions.

By following these and other standards set by CSA B651, Canadian business owners can help ensure that their workplaces are accessible to people with disabilities, which can improve employee morale, customer satisfaction, and overall business success.

Hiring an accessibility consultant or specialist can help benchmark your current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements.

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve inclusivity for all your customers and employees.

Senior couple living independently in their own home

Best Home Safety Products for Seniors to Prevent Injuries

By Violet Figueroa on July 10, 2023July 8, 2023

Simple products can go a long way in making a senior’s home safer and helping them live independently with a lower risk of injury. Here are some of the best options:

Nonslip rugs and mats – Textured surfaces help reduce slips and falls, especially in bathrooms and walk-in showers.
Grab bars – Installed in bathrooms, showers and near stairs, grab bars offer stability and support to help seniors transfer positions and maneuverer independently.
Motion detecting night lights – Night lights that automatically activate provide illumination to avoid hazards and prevent falls during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Lever door handles – Lever-style door handles are easier for seniors with limited hand strength or arthritis to open and close.
Raised toilet seats – Toilet seats that raise a few inches make it easier and more comfortable for seniors to use the facilities.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Essential for warning seniors of fire and gas hazards that pose injury risks.
Accessibility handles and railings – Installed throughout the home, accessibility handles and railings provide balance and support, helping to avoid falls and injuries.
Emergency alert systems – Medical alarm systems allow seniors to call for help if they sustain an injury and are unable to reach a phone.
Evacuation Chairs – These products ensure seniors can safely evacuate the building. Best to request your building manager to invest in these for your whole building, but you can also consider buying them individually for your family and friends.

Even simple products installed strategically throughout the home can significantly reduce hazards for seniors.

Accessible Places can perform an in-depth home safety assessment and recommend a customized list of the most effective safety products, based on a senior’s specific needs, abilities, and injury risks.

Bionic Hand and Human Hand Finger Pointing

Adaptive Technology Solutions for Improved Accessibility

By Violet Figueroa on July 7, 2023July 8, 2023

Adaptive technology can significantly improve the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Here are some examples:

Screen readers – Software that verbalizes what is on the screen allows blind and low vision users to access digital information.
Voice recognition software – Programs that allow users to control computers and devices with spoken commands benefit those with limited mobility, dexterity issues or visual impairments.
Switches – Specialized switches that can be activated using a sip-and-puff tube, foot pedals or head movements help people with limited hand function operate devices.
Adapted keyboards and mice -Modified input devices that are larger, have keyguard overlays or switches provide accessible alternatives for people with disabilities.
Magnification software – Programs that enlarge screen content are useful for low vision users to access computers and mobile devices.
Braille displays – Devices that convert on-screen text to Braille cells allow blind users to read digital information independently.
Image labellers – Software that can verbally describe photos enable blind and visually impaired individuals to identify and understand images.

When choosing adaptive technology, it is important to consider the person’s specific needs and abilities. A specialist can recommend the right tools after evaluating an individual’s goals, capabilities, and the tasks they need to accomplish.

Accessible Places provides consultations and customized recommendations for adaptive technology that matches each client’s unique situation.