Accessibility Terms and Definitions

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What is an Accessible Route?

A pedestrian path of travel within the interior or exterior environment with barriers

A path only for people without disabilities

A pedestrian path of travel within the interior or exterior environment that is without barriers (correct)

A path only for people with mobility disabilities

What is an Adaptable seating?

A fixed seat or seats designed to facilitate a front transfer from a wheeled mobility device

A seat only for people without disabilities

A fixed seat or seats designed to facilitate a side transfer from a wheeled mobility device (correct)

A seat only for people with mobility disabilities

What is an Alternative format?

Information presented in only one format

Information presented in Braille, in large print, electronically, or online in an accessible format (correct)

Information presented only in written format

Information presented only orally

What is an Amenity zone?

A designated area, adjacent or connected to an accessible route, that provides amenities and services Signup and view all the answers

What is an Area of Refuge?

An area separate from the general floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating at least equal to that required for an exit Signup and view all the answers

What is a Barrier?

A condition that prevents someone’s full participation in the activities of daily living Signup and view all the answers

What is an Accessible building?

A building that people regardless of age, size, ability or disability, are able to both access and use Signup and view all the answers

What is an Access aisle?

A clear, level area parallel to a parking space for people with mobility disabilities to get in and out of a car or van Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the underside of any construction element, such as the underside of a flight of stairs?

Soffit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI)?

To assist persons with low vision or blindness by alerting or guiding them Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the combined sum of the running slope of a curb ramp and of the gutter slope, in percentages?

Counter slope Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Universal Design?

To create products and environments that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a spatial problem-solving process based upon consistent use and organization of definite sensory cues in the environment?

Wayfinding Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a collective term to describe a range of wheeled personal transportation devices, including manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, and scooters?

Wheeled-mobility device Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an edge part of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath?

Stair nosing Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a standardized surface that signals a need for caution at a change in elevation, a vehicular route, train tracks, or other potential hazard?

Tactile Attention Indicator (TAI) Signup and view all the answers

What is a barrier to full participation in a community according to the Rick Hansen Foundation?

An assumption or perception about a disability Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a guard in a building?

To prevent accidental falls at openings Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a connection with a slope of 1:20 (5%) or less between the level of a pedestrian walkway and the level of a vehicular path of travel?

Blended transition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of braille in a building?

To provide a way for people with visual impairments to read and write Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a system of small raised dots that are read using the fingertips?

Braille Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cane-detectable object?

To provide a way for people with visual impairments to detect objects Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a significant contrast in colour between the foreground and the background of an element?

Colour contrast Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a curb ramp?

To provide a way for people with mobility impairments to navigate Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a permanent or temporary structure of any size that accommodates facilities to which people have access?

Building Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the intensity of light, as measured in lux?

Illumination Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of inclusion in community life and services?

To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to fully participate Signup and view all the answers

What is a pedestrian right-of-way?

A portion of the public right-of-way dedicated to the unrestricted movement of persons Signup and view all the answers

What is a platform lift used for?

To transport people with disabilities on a platform that moves between permanent levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a shared-use walkway?

A path where pedestrians and users of mobility aids share space with cyclists Signup and view all the answers

What is signage in the context of accessibility?

Visual and tactile communication incorporating various elements Signup and view all the answers

What is a raised crossing?

A crossing where the crosswalk is elevated between 80 mm and 150 mm above the adjacent road surface Signup and view all the answers

What is a pedestrian route?

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel within a pedestrian circulation area Signup and view all the answers

What is a public right-of-way?

Private property or public land acquired for or devoted to pedestrian and vehicular purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is a roll-in shower?

A shower that can be used while staying in a wheelchair, standing or sitting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a ramp in the context of accessibility?

To provide a sloping walkway leading from one level to another Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Accessibility Terminology

Access aisle: A clear, level area parallel to a parking space for people with mobility disabilities to get in and out of a car or van.
Accessible: Means that people regardless of age, size, ability, or disability, are able to both access and use a building and its facilities.
Accessible route (path of travel): A pedestrian path of travel within the interior or exterior environment that is without barriers and usable by all persons, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

Adaptable and Amenities

Adaptable: Easily renovated to create a barrier-free environment. Adaptable units are designed and constructed to facilitate future modification to provide access for persons with disabilities.
Adaptable seating: A fixed seat or seats designed to facilitate a side transfer from a wheeled mobility device.
Amenity: Anything that adds to a person's comfort or convenience.
Amenity zone: A designated area, adjacent or connected to an accessible route, that provides amenities and services, such as street furniture, mailboxes, telephones, and utilities like light posts, hydrants, etc.

Barriers and Disability

Barrier: A condition that prevents someone's full participation in the activities of daily living.
Barrier: Attitudinal: An assumption or perception about a disability, held by oneself or others, that may limit or prevent someone's full participation in their communities.
Barrier: Awareness: A lack of understanding of the extent of social, health, and economic impacts of disability and of motivation to care and take action.
Barrier: Education: A lack of appropriate access to educational experiences and/or training and skills development.
Barrier: Employment: A lack of access to meaningful, relevant, and economically self-sustaining work.
Barrier: Health: A lack of cures and care that contribute to an individual's state of well-being in body and/or mind.
Barrier: Physical: A feature of a site, structure, technology, system, space, or environment that may prevent or limit someone's ability to fully participate in that designed environment.
Disability: A broad term that describes a physical condition that may require consideration to ensure full participation in the activities of daily living and community involvement.

Building and Design

Building: A permanent or temporary structure of any size that accommodates facilities to which people have access.
Building user: A person, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability, using facilities in a site or associated external environment.
Cane-detectable: Any object or change in surface texture that falls within the detection range of a long white cane.
Colour contrast: A significant contrast in colour between the foreground and the background of an element, such as light on dark background or dark on a light background.
Crosswalk: That portion of a pedestrian crossing that is within the vehicular right-of-way.
Curb ramp: A sloped surface built into a curb.

Illumination and Signage

Illumination: The intensity of light, as measured in lux (symbol: lx).
Signage: Information provided in the form of visual and tactile communication that incorporates alphanumeric symbols, pictograms, illustrations, or Braille.

Pedestrian and Public Right-of-Way

Passenger pick-up area: An area where pedestrians board and disembark road vehicles.
Pedestrian crossing: The combination of crosswalk segments, curb ramps, or blended transitions, medians, and refuge islands that connect departure and arrival walkways across a vehicular right-of-way.
Pedestrian right-of-way: That portion of the public right-of-way that is dedicated to the unrestricted movement of persons.
Pedestrian route: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel within a pedestrian circulation area that provides accessibility.
Public right-of-way: Private property or public land, usually in interconnected corridors, that is acquired for or devoted to pedestrian and vehicular purposes.

Ramps and Stairs

Ramp: A sloping walkway leading from one level to another, which has a running slope with a ratio steeper than or equal to 1:20 (5%).
Roll-in shower: To be used while staying in a wheelchair, standing or sitting (by adding a seat to the shower stall).
Stair nosing: An edge part of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath.
Stair riser: The vertical portion between each tread of the stair.
Stair tread: The part of the stairway that is stepped on.

Universal Design and Wayfinding

Universal Design: The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Wayfinding: A spatial problem-solving process based upon consistent use and organization of definite sensory cues in the environment that individuals use to understand where they are, know where their desired location is, and know how to get to that destination from their present location.

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Description

This quiz covers definitions related to accessibility, including accessible routes, aisles, and buildings. Learn key terms and concepts for people with mobility disabilities.