JMU Access Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What colour should I paint my step nosings so that they are identifiable to someone who is partially sighted?
The important point is that the step nosings provide a colour and tonal contrast to the steps. There is no correct colour for step nosings although Yellow and White are frequently used. It should also be remembered that good lighting levels are also important to ensure that steps are safe to use and nosings are easily identifiable.
2) I would like to know how to make my ------------- (lift, for example) more accessible?
JMU have over 30 best practice Fact Sheets, covering everything from lifts to lobbies, and these answer many preliminary enquiries. These are free of charge and available by contacting any of the JMU regional offices (up to 3 fact sheets available per enquiry). If the fact sheets do not answer your enquiry then a consultant may be able to provide further advice or consultancy on this area.
3) Where can I get advice on Braille signage?
JMU's Fact Sheet 23 covers all aspects of signage and bases much of its information on the best practice book, the 'Sign Design Guide'. The 'Sign Design Guide' is available from RNIB Customer Services (0845 702 3153 or email: cservices@rnib.org.uk) and is priced at £20.00. The sign design guide provides detailed information on the design and layout of Braille for signage. JMU can also provide information on manufacturers of signage that includes Braille.
4) Where can I get advice on my other signage needs?
If Fact Sheet 23 does not answer your questions and queries, JMU can appraise signage designs for you, against established best practice standards and arrange for signage audits to be carried out of your existing signage provision. If you are looking at the installation of new signage, JMU can provide a full service from initial site survey through to signage installation. Please contact your nearest office for further details.
5) Should tactile paving be used at the top of stairs inside a building?
When the current guidance on tactile paving surfaces was established through user trials, it was designed for use in an outdoor environment. The use of the corduroy warning surface in an indoor environment presents some different issues, mainly concentrated around the subject of safety. To read more about the issues and points to consider before using a corduroy warning surface at the top and bottom of stairs internally, please request a copy of Access Journal (Issue 15) or the Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS) 'Statement on tactile surfaces within buildings'. Either can be requested from any JMU office.
6) How do I find out more about the training courses that are available?
Full details of the training courses that we have available are contained in our Training section. As well as having established courses, we can also create courses that are tailored to a groups individual needs. If you would like to discuss your training needs further, please contact your nearest JMU office.
Need to know more? Please contact our Enquiry Line: 020 7391 2002.