A simple touch leads to endless possibilities Accessibility Guidelines for Sensory Loss 2020 3rd Edition Table of Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 DeafBlind Ontario Services .................................................................................................. 2 About the Accessibility Guidelines for Sensory Loss ....................................................... 3 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. 3 Copyright ............................................................................................................................. 3 Accessibility Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 3 Quick Design Tips ................................................................................................................ 4 DIY Orientation and Accessibility Enhancements ................................................................ 4 Deafblindness ....................................................................................................................... 5 What is Deafblindness? ....................................................................................................... 5 Deafblindness and Communication ..................................................................................... 5 Types of Deafblindness ....................................................................................................... 5 Overall Design Basics .......................................................................................................... 7 Universal Design .................................................................................................................. 7 Key Elements of Design ...................................................................................................... 8 Accessible Design Guidelines .............................................................................................. 13 Illumination .......................................................................................................................... 14 Exterior Spaces ................................................................................................................. 14 Living Rooms and Dining Rooms....................................................................................... 14 Kitchens ............................................................................................................................. 15 Bathrooms ......................................................................................................................... 16 Bedrooms .......................................................................................................................... 16 Laundry Rooms ................................................................................................................. 17 Exterior Spaces ................................................................................................................... 18 Entrance Doors .................................................................................................................. 19 Seating .............................................................................................................................. 19 Landscaping ...................................................................................................................... 20 Exterior Paths of Travel ..................................................................................................... 21 Material and Finishes for Paths of Travel .......................................................................... 21 Exterior Stairs .................................................................................................................... 25 Verandas, Decks and Raised Elevations ........................................................................... 27 Driveways .......................................................................................................................... 27 Electrical Outlets, Switches and other Operating Mechanisms .......................................... 27 Living Rooms and Dining Rooms ...................................................................................... 28 Colour/Luminance Contrast ............................................................................................... 28 Furniture ............................................................................................................................ 29 Windows and Window Treatments .................................................................................... 30 Acoustics ........................................................................................................................... 30 Walls .................................................................................................................................. 31 Flooring .............................................................................................................................. 31 Electrical outlets ................................................................................................................. 32 Interior Stairs ..................................................................................................................... 32 Kitchens ............................................................................................................................... 34 Colour/ Luminance Contrast .............................................................................................. 36 Appliances ......................................................................................................................... 37 Cabinets and Storage ........................................................................................................ 38 Counters ............................................................................................................................ 39 Sinks .................................................................................................................................. 39 Windows and Window Treatments .................................................................................... 40 Flooring .............................................................................................................................. 40 Switches and Controls ....................................................................................................... 41 Bathrooms ........................................................................................................................... 42 Colour/Luminance Contrast ............................................................................................... 42 Toilets ................................................................................................................................ 43 Showers ............................................................................................................................. 44 Bathtubs ............................................................................................................................ 46 Sinks .................................................................................................................................. 47 Vanities .............................................................................................................................. 47 Shelving and Other Projections ......................................................................................... 48 Doors ................................................................................................................................. 48 Flooring .............................................................................................................................. 48 Switches and Controls ....................................................................................................... 49 Bedrooms ............................................................................................................................ 49 Colour/Luminance Contrast ............................................................................................... 50 Closet Spaces.................................................................................................................... 51 Windows and Window Treatments .................................................................................... 51 Doors ................................................................................................................................. 52 Flooring .............................................................................................................................. 52 Electrical Outlets ................................................................................................................ 52 Laundry Rooms ................................................................................................................... 53 Colour/Luminance Contrast ............................................................................................... 53 Appliances ......................................................................................................................... 54 Counters and