Locating and Accessing the Terminal

In places such as shopping centres, car parks, and railway and bus stations, locating an information terminal or cash machine can be difficult — particularly for people who are blind or have low vision.

There are many things that can be designed around a terminal to make it more accessible to disabled and elderly users. For example, a space beneath the facia of the terminal will allow for the footrest of a wheelchair. A notch adjacent to the facia would be useful for those needing to prop their walking sticks while using the terminal. It is also important to ensure that the pathways around a terminal are clear and uncluttered.

Where queuing is likely, consideration should be given to some non-obstructive method of queue control such as variation in the colour of flooring or pavement. The system should maintain privacy and security for the user.

Provide clear access and an illuminated area.

For low vision users, signs showing where a terminal is should be large and high contrast (preferably white or yellow characters on a dark background) and illuminated (preferably internally illuminated).

Where possible, there should be a continuous clear accessible path of travel for a wheelchair from car parking places to the terminal. The floor surface should be level in the direction parallel to the facia of the terminal. The gradient of any crossfall should not exceed 1 in 20. There should be a clear area of 1.5 metres radius directly in front of the terminal, which should not be obstructed by litter bins or other street furniture.

The following are key accessibility considerations:

• Location signs should be easy to read and there should be adequate lighting levels;
• There should be a clear path for wheelchairs to the terminal and a level surface around it; and
• There should be a location system to help blind users locate the terminal.