CAN-ASC-2.1 Outdoor spaces: Public Review Draft – 9. Wayfinding and communicating universal information

9.1.1 Format

Information shall be provided so that persons with disabilities receive any publicly available information (including information about regulations, services, facilities, directions, and available equipment) in ways that are accessible to them. This means offering printed or electronic information in alternative formats in addition to conventional print and video with closed captioning.

Alternative formats should ensure that everyone has equal access to the information. Alternative formats include but are not limited to:

1. accessible electronic text formats;
2. large print;
3. audio formats;
4. braille;
5. pictures or pictograms;
6. plain language; and
7. sign language.

Information on websites or in other electronic formats shall be compatible with adaptive technology, including software that converts text to voice (i.e., screen readers) for persons who are blind or partially sighted.

Although websites are available 24/7, other means of communication such as telephone relay services and video relay services might only be available during regular business hours. Information regarding the hours of operation for these alternative services should be provided, including how they can be accessed.

Notes:

1. A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what it needs, understand what it finds, and use that information.
2. “Large print” is defined as text that is at least 16 pt in font size and displayed in a sans serif font.

9.1.2 Navigational technology

Any existing or future technologies that provide wayfinding information (e.g., websites, digital maps, mobile applications) shall be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

Additional technologies including but not limited to beacons, the Internet of Things, and smart city devices should also be considered to improve accessible navigation of the outdoor environment. When included in an outdoor space, the format and content of these systems shall comply with Clause 9.1.3 and 9.2, where applicable.

Note: The World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is one example of an international resource that describes how to make content accessible to persons with a wide range of disabilities. Examples of web accessibility include WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, and EN 301 549.

9.1.3 Information content for marketing

All marketing materials should include some representation of people with disabilities and accessible features of the park.

Marketing materials should state the accessibility of the environment and services. The accessibility information provided should be obtained from a qualified accessibility professional and the organization should document the source of that information.

Note: The International Symbol of Accessibility (see Annex C) is only to be used when compliance with the international standard has been certified.

9.3.1 General

Information about travel and features within an outdoor space, including the boundaries of that space, should be accessible to all. This includes directions to the entrances, parking, and trailheads.

9.3.2 Directions to accessible entrances

Directions to accessible entrances shall be available to those planning trips through offsite information.

The information format shall adhere to all requirements in Clause 9.2.

9.3.3 Entrance location directing to accessible parking

Signs directing visitors to the main entry, accessible parking, and other important features of the site shall be present at the entrance location of the outdoor space. The design of the sign shall adhere to specifications outlined in Clauses 5.2 and 9.3.4.

9.3.4 Wayfinding signage

9.3.4.1 General

Every outdoor space shall have a comprehensive exterior signage and wayfinding system to assist a person in locating appropriate parking, accessible entrances, emergency information/egress, and navigational information. Considerations regarding the signage or the wayfinding system shall apply to both permanent and temporary signage.

Signs shall be accessible to all users of the building, facility, or outdoor space, and should employ several modes to present information (e.g., visual, tactile, audio).

9.3.4.2 Trailhead signs

At the start of trails, and wherever trail conditions change significantly, the following information shall be provided on trailhead signs:

1. length or distance of the trail or trail segment;
2. the maximum and typical running slope and the maximum and typical cross slope;
3. surface type, firmness, and stability;
4. presence of any obstacles (including stairs) or hazards; and
5. the minimum and typical width.

Notes:

1. The location of amenities (if present) should also be provided.
2. A significant change in trail conditions includes but is not limited to large changes in incline, type of ground cover, trail width, and the frequency/size of trail obstacles.

9.3.5 Onsite maps — Directory and wayfinding kiosks

Directories and wayfinding kiosks should indicate current location (i.e., “You Are Here”), details to help with orientation (e.g., north arrow, landmarks, buildings), distances, and accessibility conditions (i.e., gradient, surface conditions, widths, obstacles, and hazards).

Format of the onsite map layout should adhere to Clauses 9.2 and 9.3.4.

9.3.6 Illumination

Illumination should be provided to delineate the pedestrian route, identify areas of refuge, or emphasize building features (e.g., entrances, stairs, ramps, signage).

See Clause 6.8 for required illumination of other spaces.

9.3.7 Directional and attention tactile indicators

9.3.7.1 General

Tactile walking surface indicators are used to inform persons both visually and by contact under foot or cane of two possible situations:

1. an attention indicator (e.g., truncated domes) to signal a need for caution at a change in elevation, a vehicular route, train tracks, etc.; or
2. a direction indicator (e.g., elongated flat top bar surface) to facilitate wayfinding in open areas and indicate a possible route that can be taken.

Tactile direction indicators should be located in large open floor areas to facilitate wayfinding by indicating the primary route of travel. The indicated route should lead from the entrance to major destinations including but not limited to information kiosks, registration desks, stairways, and elevators.

9.3.7.2 Surface

A tactile walking surface shall:

1. have the base surface level with the surrounding surface, or with its edges bevelled and not more than 3 mm above the surface to which it is applied (see Figure 10);
2. be slip-resistant; and
3. have any adjacent walking surface smooth for a width of at least 600 mm.

Figure 10

Truncated domes

(See Clause 9.3.7.2.)

Notes

1. Truncated domes are organized in a regular pattern.
2. Tactile attention indicator surfaces that are uneven or too high will cause some pedestrians, including those using wheeled forms of mobility, to become unstable.

9.3.7.3 Configuration

A tactile attention indicator surface shall be composed of truncated domes

1. with a height of between 4 mm and 5 mm;
2. with the top diameter between 12 mm and 25 mm and the base diameter 10 mm ± 1 mm greater than the top diameter;
3. arranged in a square grid; and
4. with a centre-to-centre distance of adjacent domes complying with Table 5.

Table 5

Dome diameter and spacing combinations

(See Clause 9.3.7.3.)

9.3.7.4 Location

A tactile attention indicator surface shall be located at the following locations unless the location is protected by a guard complying with Clause 6.16.4:

1. stairs, to comply with Clause 6.14.5;
2. a paved and unprotected drop-off edge, such as a transit platform, where
   1. the change in elevation is greater than 250 mm; or
   2. the slope is steeper than in a ratio of 1:3 (33%);
3. the unprotected edges of a reflecting pool, to comply with Clause 9.3.7;
4. curb ramps, to comply with Clause 6.13.7; and
5. an entry into a vehicular route or area where no curbs or other elements separate the vehicular route from a pedestrian route.