Tactile paving surfaces at bus stops: The need of homogeneous technical solutions for accessible tourism
-
-
[1] Universidade do Algarve
Universidade do Algarve
Faro (Sé), Portugal
-
- Localización: Journal of accessibility and design for all: JACCES, ISSN-e 2013-7087, Vol. 11, Nº. 2, 2021, págs. 259-294
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
-
Resumen
Accessible tourism promotes the right of all citizens to visit places and experience tourism. Therefore, universal accessibility must exist within the tourism value chain, where the public transport system is an important element. The research project "Accessibility for All in Tourism" focused on the attributes of inclusive bus stops and considered "Universal Design" and “Age Sensitive Design” approaches. In the built environment, products and spaces must consider the needs of all people to the greatest extent possible. In particular, adequate wayfinders to help people with visual disabilities in terms of orientation and danger alerts. Tactile paving surfaces are one of the fundamental elements of accessibility for people with visual disabilities, ensuring they have an independent life, whether they are residents in their city or tourists in another country. However, when considering these tactile surfaces, the needs of elderly people and individuals with visual disabilities are divergent. This study is intended to present international examples of tactile surfaces used at bus stops, in some cases based on bibliographic research and direct observation. For a better understanding of the constituent elements of tactile surfaces, established examples were compiled. The results indicate that there is a great diversity of technical solutions for tactile surfaces at bus stops that attend to the needs of people with visual disabilities, some more age-friendly than others. In a context of equitable use and accessible tourism, homogeneous technical solutions, inclusive for all, should be implemented in all countries.
