Introduction

FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)
Lesson 21 : Housing Environment for Special Needs - Visually Impaired

Introduction

All humans experience some level of vision loss as part of the aging process. Loss may be due to glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, or complications from diabetes or other diseases. Older eyes also interĀ­pret color differently, creating a yellowish cast. When designing for the elderly, designers will find it useful to wear a pair of yellow-tinted sunĀ­glasses when selecting a color palette to replicate this change.

Making a private or public environment comfortable and functional for individuals who are blind or visually impaired should be part of universal design, benefitting all older individuals also. Making facilities and programs and activities safe and accessible for older participants who are blind or visually impaired does not necessarily require a great deal of time, energy, or money. It is a matter of knowing the basics and planning for easy access during the initial design of the facility and its programs.

Index
Home
Next
Last modified: Monday, 9 July 2012, 6:37 AM