Introduction
One of the most important aspects of home accessibility is making sure that everyone can get from point A to point B when inside. When it comes to outdoor areas, though, not everyone has access to ramps or other kinds of accessible pathways. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of features that can help make your outdoor spaces more accessible for people with visual impairments.
Accessible Entrances
- Use a ramp instead of stairs.
- Install a doorbell that is easy to hear from inside and outside the house, as well as on the street if possible.
Accessible Walkways
- Use detectable warnings. These are strips of rubber or metal that can be embedded in a sidewalk to help you identify changes in elevation, including curbs and steps.
- Use contrasting colors. For example, if your walkway has light-colored bricks and you want to know where it begins and ends, paint those sections with dark-colored paint so they stand out from the rest of the path (either by using stencils or by doing it yourself).
- Use guide ropes or cane holders on staircases so that blind people don’t trip over them accidentally while walking up or down stairs–and make sure there aren’t any hazards right next to these devices! If you’re worried about tripping yourself up while walking down some steps with no railings (for example), consider using a dog as an assistant instead–but remember: not all dogs are trained for this purpose yet!
Accessible Pools and Hot Tubs
What is a pool or hot tub?
A pool is an artificial body of water, usually made of concrete, that’s used for swimming. Hot tubs are similar to pools but they’re usually filled with warm water and have jets that massage you while you soak in them.
How can I make my pool or hot tub accessible?
There are many ways to make your pool or hot tub accessible for blind people:
- Use large print signs around the perimeter of your pool area so blind guests know where everything is located (e.g., entrances/exits, towel racks). You can also include arrows pointing towards these areas if necessary (e.g., ” Towel Rack” ).
- Make sure there are no steps leading into either one; this way everyone can get in easily! If there are any stairs near where someone might be standing while getting ready for their swim session–or if they’re using one as part of their exercise routine–make sure they have railings so nobody falls over them while walking around inside this area at night when most people will probably want some privacy before going into public view again after taking off clothing etcetera…
Accessible Outdoor Showers
You can easily build an outdoor shower and install it yourself, but it’s important to know what you’re doing. First, make sure the weather will be good for at least a few days after installation so that the concrete has time to cure properly. Next, choose a location that is level and away from trees or other objects where water might collect after use (like tree roots). If you want to add some flair, consider adding benches around the base of your new outdoor shower so guests can sit down while washing up before heading inside for dinner!
If you need help installing or maintaining your new outdoor space, contact us today! We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish–and we won’t even charge extra because they’re just so fun!
Building accessible outdoor features into your home can make it easier for the visually impaired to navigate the area.
There are many types of accessible entrances, including those that allow for wheelchair access and those that can be used with walkers. There are also options for pool and hot tub accessibility. A wide range of materials can be used to make these features safe and comfortable for visually impaired people, including wood and stone pavers as well as concrete surfaces.
A visually impaired person’s ability to navigate their home will also depend on the design of their yard or garden space. The use of plants will help them navigate by providing additional landmarks throughout the property; this can be especially useful when trying to find specific areas within a large lawn such as an outdoor shower or hot tub area!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some ideas of how to make your home more accessible for the blind. By adding accessible features like walkways and outdoor showers, you can make it easier for people with vision loss to navigate around their home and enjoy all it has to offer.