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Corridors may require windows at the ends of corridors in unsprinklered buildings in accordance with the building code.

Adding a reference to PAS 6463:2022 may be useful for designers and users of the standard.

Note #1 should be deleted or revised.

Can Note #3 be expanded with a technical criteria, in addition to why decorative crosswalks should be avoided?

11.4.2.2.(a)(i) - "at the tops of stairs and ramps"

11.4.2.5.5.(c) - "Have an increased depth to enhance detectability and allow for a longer stopping distance when no set-back is present"

12.2.8.(c) - "For example, hours of operation may be installed on the non-operational door swing when possible"

Clause 12.10.4.(a) and note #1 - "be automatic when audible information is transmitted"

12.10.5.(a)

Spell out TWSIs.

Small cap in "signs".

Empowerment and independence: Wayfinding and signage in its various forms allow for autonomy and independent navigation, providing timely, accurate, and clear information in multiple formats when necessary.

User consultation: Implementers and designers carry out consultation with user groups when establishing/determining or altering the wayfinding and signage solutions.

Everyone in Canada has the right to interact with environments effectively, safely, and efficiently. While the standard will apply initially only to federal facilities, other jurisdictions will be encouraged to adopt this standard and develop regulations to implement it. Consultation with and testing by persons with disabilities is an essential part of whatever is being considered

New trends in urban design relate to person-centered living. One of these is pedestrianization, i.e., where neighborhoods or streets are built for restricted pedestrian traffic only. This requires very careful consideration of the accessibility challenges it can inadvertently create.

We invite practitioners to not only include the information presented in this Standard but to also consider these principles to create more inclusive environments

Best practices have been outlined to assist with consultation and decision-making regarding the universal impact, affordability, and usefulness of elements included in the design of indoor and outdoor spaces

The practice of design involves more than consideration for usability.

j) Awareness and education: Implementers and designers provide ongoing public awareness of the purpose and intent of inclusive wayfinding and signage to ensure everyone understands their meaning and intent

This Standard: ● recognizes the equity rights of persons with disabilities as Canadian citizens;

What we should change. Add a definition for accessibility advisory panel.

Alternate format — Information presented in braille, in large print, electronically (e.g., on removable or portable media), or in an accessible format.

Add a definition

Add a definition

lighting and contrast

Add a sentence after Wayfinding is facilitated by well-designed indoor and outdoor environments that incorporate clear paths of travel, along with constructed and natural navigation cues such as edges, landmarks, signage, surface textures, lighting, and acoustics that can be detected through visual, tactile, and auditory means

iii) incorporate distinctive surface materials, such as tiles, at intersections or key decision points in outdoor plazas to help users identify critical areas and make informed navigation choices;

The Committee might start a Conversation to Add the following new sections: 11.5 Person first living, pedestrian-centric, and car-free areas 11.5.1 Introduction New trends in urban design relate to person-centered living. One of these is pedestrianization, i.e., where neighborhoods or streets are built for restricted pedestrian traffic only, cars are banned, and bikes, e-bikes, and scooters are tightly regulated. This requires very careful consideration of the accessibility challenges to wayfinding and signage. 11.5.2 Monitoring barriers using systems of announcements a. Local traffic monitoring and notifying programs shall be encouraged to report on participation at popular, pedestrian-friendly areas, paying particular attention to those times when they become crowded, giving more information to the ability of a person with a disability to make their own individual decision about safe wayfinding. Example: The CJOH traffic report. The Spark Street mall has over half a million people attending, with people shoulder to shoulder. In this case, a person with a disability will use this information to adapt their wayfinding strategy to the particular circumstances of a crowded area. b. Automobile navigation applications that monitor the amount of car traffic in a popular or pedestrian-friendly area shall be encouraged to extrapolate from the vehicle traffic data to be able to estimate the pedestrian traffic. This information allows the person with a disability to assess which wayfinding tactic they might use for a safe journey. c. Wear temporary physical structures, such as extended patios for restaurants or sidewalk sales, are implemented; there shall be notification of the presence of these upon entering the area in an accessible way. They shall be constructed in such a way that they are cane-, detectable, and if possible, outer edges shall be rounded and soft, so that incorrect wayfinding shall not result in bodily harm.

The Committee might start a Conversation to Add the following new sections: 11.6 Wayfinding in specialized areas a. Specialized facilities, such as transportation, terminals and hubs, sports venues, concert venues, auditoriums, shopping centers, hospitals, educational facilities, mixed-use complexes, shall engage accessibility, advisory panels, and appropriate professionals to create a plan, and then implement and maintain it, so that persons with disabilities can attend with successful navigation and wayfinding and avoid barriers.

The Committee might start a Conversation to Add the following new sections: 11.7 Wayfinding with Virtual, user-created maps 11.7.1 Introduction There are new technologies for persons with disabilities where virtual maps are created by users, volunteers, organizations, or facility managers. These maps can be downloaded into apps that give feedback to persons with disabilities. Lidar, Wi-Fi, GPS, beacons, and photos are currently used to create landmarks and paths for these virtual maps, and other technologies may be used in the future. 11.7.2 Facilitating virtual, user-created maps a. Facility managers, indoor and outdoor space authorities, accessibility advisory panels, and frequent users shall be provided with facilities, finances, backing, and resources to create virtual maps . Persons who participate in the creation of these virtual maps shall be fairly compensated for their time. B. Where these virtual maps are created, they shall be publicly announced in a prominent way. See. In a spirit of continuous improvement, any comment from a user of these virtual maps shall be encouraged and be easily sent to the appropriate person with authority to resolve and implement suggestions and improvements. 11.7.3 Facilitating for-profit companies to give virtual map assistance for free a. There are for-profit companies that provide wayfinding advice to persons with disabilities such as a I RA. In certain cases, they provide these services free of charge, such as certain airports. b. Facility managers or authorities in charge of indoor or outdoor spaces shall be encouraged to contact these companies to request that the areas under their control be included in the list of free services available.

The Committee might start a Conversation to Add the following new sections: 11.8 Proactive and regular updating of wayfinding and signage Accommodations a. Facility managers, or any other person, department, or organization responsible for effective, safe, and accessible wayfinding shall, on a regular basis, no less than once per year, survey users on a regular and random basis as to their live experience with wayfinding in the facility under their control and make the appropriate change to wayfinding in order to bring to zero the number of persons who cannot make a safe, barrier-free, effective, quick journey. These surveys and follow-up mitigation shall be done in a spirit of continuous improvement. b. In the case of discussions about costs and difficulty with wayfinding accommodations, the Canadian legal precedent on reasonable accommodation and undue hardship shall inform the decision.

h) have all audible and visual signs, including those provided for indoor or outdoor mapping tested by people who will use them to confirm usability and clarity; and

Add two more clauses at the end. g) have the text and Braille associated with the symbol of access indicate that the route or amenity is accessible; h) have all audible and visual signs, including those provided for indoor or outdoor mapping tested by people who will use them to confirm usability and clarity; and i) be properly maintained.

c) for any vertical sign: i) not create an obstruction within the path of travel; ii) when installed outdoors, be placed in a location that does not intrude into the path of travel; and iii) maintain at least 70% luminance contrast with its surrounding environment, including mounting elements such as the pole.

12.2.9 Trailhead Signs

Change the last clause

Remove clauses in this suction that apply to the physical characteristics of the sign and not to accessibility

a) for signs meant to be read looking down (i.e., mounted on a standalone pole either parallel or angled to the ground), be located between 730 mm to 860 mm above the ground to allow viewing from a seated position;

g) be cane-detectable for A-frame signs (see Clause 11.2.1); h) be cane-detectable for any signs mounted on posts (see Clause 11.2.1);

Note 2: Floor numbers should be displayed on each level at both the top and bottom of staircases, as well as on handrails.

Change the two notes in this section to actual clauses, lettered, a, and, B. And increase the mandatory level from should, too, shall. Note 1: Information signs should be placed in stairwells to identify all entry and exit points. Note 2: Floor numbers should be displayed on each level at both the top and bottom of staircases, as well as on handrails

Add a clause after a) where there are double doors, be installed at a consistent location on either side of the doorway; b) where the wall space is not sufficient, be installed on the nearest adjacent wall; c) not be mounted on the door itself to reduce the collision hazard; d) be located on the wall on the latch side of doors or openings to ensure people can read it safely; e) be at a distance of 140 mm to 160 mm from the leading vertical edge of the door jamb; and f) have a clear wall area around the sign of 75 mm wide.

12.11 Electronic and digital signage 12.11.1 General Electronic and digital signage falls into two categories: 1) Light Emitting Diode (LED) technologies that form letters and shapes via patterns of light-electrified dots. 2) Refreshable display technologies, such as plasma and LCD that are used for dynamic visual output. The lighting and formation of electronic and digital signage help increase its visibility, making it easily visible.

Change the title. 12.11 Electronic and digital signage

Change clause b. Electronic and digital signage shall: a) allow sufficient time for viewers to view the message complying with Clause 12.11.7; b) be tested by people with various abilities to find the right amount of time needed; c) not present information in a scrolling or animated format;

Electronic signs are mainly used where the information lasts for a long time and does not change, such as in a pedestrian walk signal, public facility schedule, or a directional symbol for wayfinding. Digital signage is mostly used where the message can be changed, such as: digital signage units for next-customer alert systems at kiosks and airport departure and arrival schedules. Electronic and digital signage displays more information than can be displayed on a fixed screen, such as the screen on a building directory. Electronic and digital signage use shall accomplish the same functions as traditional signs by displaying content that clearly conveys the message regardless of what is being displayed.

The screen size of the unit and the size of the chassis, the accessible controls, feedback confirmation for actions like pressing buttons, and easy maintenance and repair are crucial for accessibility.

Replace illumination with luminance. 12.11.4 Illumination Electronic and digital signage illumination design shall:

12.11.4 Illumination Electronic and digital signage illumination design shall: a) favor models that allow for video brightness settings to be adjusted automatically according to local light conditions over those that have a pre-determined schedule, or which are user-defined; b) include a backlight feature to increase contrast and visibility in low-light conditions or in areas with high ambient lighting; and c) favor display technologies such as LED displays that economize on electricity consumption. Note 1: Factors such as the display size, the expected hours of operation, and pixel pitch are considered to help determine and lower energy consumption. Note 2: Pixel pitch is the relative proximity of the light pixels that make up an LED display. Pixel pitch will dictate the best viewing distance when accessing on-screen information.

12.11.6 Color factors Electronic and digital signage shall: a) avoid black backgrounds when placing LED-driven signage in the direct path of sunlight and instead use lighter backgrounds, to maintain the required ratios, indicated in this Clause; b) achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and a ratio of 3:1 for large text when determining background and text colors; Note: Large text is defined as having a point size of 18 points or 14 points bold and larger, while regular text is consistent with font sizes usually found in body text.

Note 2: Floor numbers should be displayed on each level at both the top and bottom of staircases, as well as on handrails.

13.10 Construction and maintenance Location plans shall: a) be constructed of durable materials, appropriate to their position and expected service life; b) be easy to clean, repair, and update, as and when required; c) undergo regular inspections to ensure they remain legible, conspicuous, comprehensible, and accurate; and d) be reviewed and revised as necessary whenever there is a change in the information within the area. What we should change it to. Add two clauses e. Every location, plan, and map shall have on it contact information for users to report missing or confusing information, or if the user became lost, what was their experience, and suggestions to changes to the map or location plan to ensure this does not happen again. f. All reports received by the authorities from users, reporting confusing maps or location plans or becoming lost, shall be shared with the accessible advisory panel, if such a panel is part of the facility.

Clarify the difference between location, plans, and maps.

The recommended Color Rendering Index (CRI) is 70, which is considered very low by most lighting standards – Even 80 CRI is generally viewed as low. We recommend specifying lighting above 90 CRI, as lower levels can create discomfort for people with certain visual impairments. It would also be helpful to include guidance on reducing glare, such as concealing or shielding light sources.

2. Raised lettering: The guidance should clarify when raised lettering is effective and when it may be a hindrance, as it is not suitable for all types of information. Additional detail or examples, similar to those provided for other recommendations, would help illustrate appropriate use cases.

More clarification/examples of the colours mentioned in this section of the policy.

first bullet: remove "recognizes the equity rights of persons with disabilities as Canadian citizens

“Shall” should be replaced with “must” throughout the standard when the standard imposes a mandatory obligation to conform with best legislative drafting practices (see 7.4 Terminology).

"Matt" (table 1)

The text below clause 12.2 “Types of signage” should be reviewed.

For clarity purposes, paragraph 12.2.8 a. could be replaced with the following: Include tactile characters and braille in the following signs if they are intended to be read by pedestrians: identification signs; mandatory signs; and warning signs;

The use of abbreviations should be reviewed. Clause 9.2 provides a list of abbreviations that are not applied consistently throughout the standard. For example, in clause 12.8, “Unified English Braille (UEB)” should be replaced with “UEB” since UEB is an abbreviation listed in clause 9.2 and has also been used in the definition of “braille” in clause 9.1.

Paragraph 12.8 d. should be reviewed. It contains a subparagraph i. that is not followed by any others.

The punctuation at the end of your paragraphs should be reviewed. We have noticed some inconsistencies. For example, in some instances, your paragraphs end with a semicolon, while in others they end with a period (e.g., in clause 11.4.2.2, paragraphs c. to i. end with a period, whereas in clause 10.1.2.1, paragraphs a. to c. end with a semicolon). The punctuation is also missing at the end of subparagraph “a.i.” of clause 12.2.8.

While the standard will apply initially only to federal facilities

Note: Tactile diagrams, tactile maps and acoustics are not considered within this Standard’s scope of work.

Usability and safety: Any technologies are easy to use, safe, and prevent additional obstacles or harm.

This Standard provides requirements and guidance on the design, management and implementation of tools and systems that facilitate wayfinding and access to signage throughout physical spaces.

The following topics are not covered in this Standard: Tactile maps and diagrams Note: These are not included in this standard at this time as a literature and standards review has indicated a lack of consistency in the approach and application of these tools. More consideration is needed. Acoustics Note: This will be a separate standard: CAN-ASC-2.5/ICC A118 Acoustics in the built environment. Assistive listening systems

Signage — Means of conveying information about direction, location, safety or action and designed to be clear, concise and consistent. Signage can be audible, text, symbols, tactile or graphical information.

Good lighting is important mainly for safety and communications. There is no standard set of guidelines that will meet everyone's needs. As people age, their eyes require more light to function effectively. An eye condition can also affect a person’s lighting needs. The same level of light may be fine for a fully-sighted person, excessive for someone with glaucoma and too low for someone with macular degeneration. In addition to providing visual clarity, lighting is useful in emphasizing important elements of the environment. Lighting makes it easier to identify building elements such as entrances, hallways, obstacles/unsafe areas, stairs, and changes of level. Light levels, lighting direction, and background decor are factors that help clarify visual information, such as reducing glare.

Maps play a pivotal role in accessible wayfinding and signage, especially to understand and navigate complex environments. A wide range of map types, including location plans, guide maps, and navigation maps in printed and digital forms, serve distinct purposes and may require different or additional design standards. In outdoor spaces, 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).

Clause 13 alludes to digital maps, but doesn't include specific requirements around them.

"initially only federal facilities, other jurisdictions will be encouraged to adopt"

Shall

Impairment is derogatory. It is pathologizing. There is great research by Shelley Moore, Luigi Iannacci (and Rachel Heydon) as well as Patty Douglas that would help to better frame some of this content. Dignity cannot be an actual goal when the language is prejudicial. There are serious inherent contradictions here.

Childcare is spelled "Child care." and it is more than child care, it is Early Learning and Care. Early Learning and Care is a deeply pedagogical pursuit. Early Learning and care is a right of children to education referenced in the UNCRC. Early Learning and Care is a far more current term.

There are some generalizations about autism here.

Family Child Care Services should not be excluded.

Such a policy is entangled with pedagogical implications and approaches, yet there are no pedagogical references here. Pedagogical sources inform Early Childhood Educators' professional practices, which is imperative to this work.