Vision impaired people use the edges of the pavement to move and find their way around the streets. The most common aid used by vision impaired pedestrians that helps them move independently is the white cane. It is designed to detect the ground in front of the pedestrian. A ground indicator is needed to avoid deviating from the straight road (e.g. going diagonal). The poorer the eyesight, the higher the necessary indicator, and the poorer the legs, the lower its edge should be.
It would be advisable to build a low edge on pedestrian crossings only to the width of half the pedestrian crossing. The paving materials used to warn of crossings or steps should be perceptible, but they should not endanger movement or cause discomfort. For example, the use of tactile paving has been well received. Pedestrian crossings should all be equipped with audio sounds.
Read more in the handbook “Designing and creating an inclusive living environment”
If you feel that you’ve been treated unequally, please contact the Equality Commissioner by e-mail at avaldus@volinik.ee or telephone +372 626 9059. The anonymity of the person is guaranteed when contacting the Commissioner.
