- Author
-
Collins, B. L.
|
Danner, W. F.
|
Tibbott, R. L.
- Title
- Communication Systems for Disabled Users of Buildings.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 81-2428,
December 1981,
74 p.
- Distribution
- AVAILABLE FROM National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000; Fax: 703-605-6900; Rush Service (Telephone Orders Only) 800-553-6847; Website: http://www.ntis.gov
- Keywords
-
handicapped
|
building codes
|
buildings
- Abstract
- Communication systems in building are designed to provide both emergency and directional information to all building user. Yet such systems, which are typically comprised of visual signs and audible alarms, may fail to reach some of the estimated twenty-seven million hearing or vision impaired people in the United States. As a result, a number of alternative communication systems have been proposed for inclusion in accessibility guidelines. In the following pages the research base underlying communication provisions for each of three sensory modalities, vision, hearing and touch, are reviewed. In addition, various proposed code recommendations are presented and discussed. The adequacy of the research base for each provision is discussed along with the need for various code provision. It is noted that code provisios for tactile warnings and exit markings are particulary inadequate. Recommendations for further research into tactile warnings, tactile signage, and visual alarms are suggested.